Inversion Tables: Risks and Benefits

1. You may have short-term pain relief but no reputable studies demonstrate long-term pain relief.  Placing your body in an inverted position can add a temporary lengthening effect that may reduce your pain while in that position but when you return to upright your pain will return.

2. Inversion tables can increase your risk of a stroke because of the stress it places on your cardiovascular system.  It causes your blood pressure to increase, which may cause a serious health event.

3. Inversion tables can make a pre-existing condition worse such as glaucoma or retinal detachment.  Those with fractures, osteoporosis, heart problems, hernias, pregnancy or obesity should avoid inversion therapy.

4. You want to make sure you do not over do it.  If you are at too extreme of an inversion or you stay there for too long you may strain a muscle.  If you are interested in inversion therapy then always consult your doctor first and start slowly.

5. Inversion therapy may make your symptoms worse than before and should always be approached slowly and cautiously.  Again, it is important to consult your physician first.