
“Prior to buying and using an inversion table, I would recommend patients be evaluated by a spine doctor (either a physiatrist, pain management doctor, orthopedist, or neurosurgeon),” said Lin. Your own doctor can help you determine if inversion is safe for your specific condition. I would recommend consulting with your spine doctor before undergoing inversion therapy.”

“These risks can be heightened in elderly or less coordinated patients.

“Being in an inverted or suspended position certainly puts patients in a vulnerable position and at risk of falls or injuries,” said Lin. When you're inverted, you're at the mercy of the equipment, so safety is a top priority. However, it’s worth noting that any added space goes right back to the way it was once your head is above your feet. The flipped position uses the natural force of gravity to increase the distance between each vertebra, decompressing the disc and spinal canal. They aren’t an instant cure, but when used under the care of a physician or specialist, an inversion table can provide real relief. Overall, inversion tables are safe for most people to use at home. Some models have heat focused on the lumbar area, while others have a heated mechanism lining the entire back support pad. Another proven method to help soothe back spasms is applying heat to the area. Some doctors believe that inversion therapy can help reduce muscle spasms in the back and reduce pressure on the nerves in the short term. Most have adjustable elements to ensure a custom fit.īells and whistles like massage and heat may seem like over-the-top extras, but they can help with muscle and back pain. Additionally, you'll want to consider how the cushions and straps match up to fit your body. We recommend following the guidelines for each specific table to prevent a fall while inverted. Most have a height range between 4 feet 11 inches and 6 feet 6 inches and a maximum weight capacity of 350. What to Look for in an Inversion Table Size/Weight LimitationsĮach inversion table has its height and weight specifications.

They repeated the process for each table. Our testers also examined how easy it was to use and set up the product from the box.
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We also had a physical therapist from our Medical Expert Board review the contents of this article for accuracy, how to safely use inversion tables, and the best way to evaluate them. We tested a dozen inversion tables at our Verywell Health testing lab and evaluated them for comfort, ease of use and setup, price, storage, and additional features. Things like padding and handles make a big difference to how you feel when you are using the table,” she added. “Aside from safety, look for the functionality of the table. When selecting an inversion table, look for safety features, such as adjustable ankle holders and body straps, recommended Suzanna Wong, DC, chiropractor doctor at Twin Waves Wellness Center in San Diego. Inversion tables “allow a person to hang upside down to reduce compression on their spine,” which alleviates back pain and tension, Blessen Abraham, DC, New Jersey-based chiropractor at Brunswick Health Center, told Verywell. Beyond stretching and using foam rollers, inversion tables are another device that can relieve back and neck pain. Whether you’ve slept in a funny position or pulled a muscle during your workout, having back pain is no fun.
