Inversion Tables and Back Pain

A common question in a Chiropractic setting is the use and effectiveness of an inversion table.  An inversion table is a piece of equipment that allows a person to hang upside down from their ankles in order to stretch out tissue in the back.

This stretching of the back using gravity helps stretch the muscles and helps create a negative pressure in the disc that can help absorb possible disc protrusions.  Short durations of use are typically recommended to stretch muscles. It is possible that disc injuries can be caused by high impact injuries such as auto accidents.

This can be a useful tool to use but must be used in moderation and under the guidance of a health care professional.  If this device is used in excess, it is possible to aggravate existing injury or cause a new injury.  When the muscles are stretched to their capacity for a short period of time, it can provide relief from some aches and pains.  When a person is hanging upside down for too long you are also stretching inelastic tissue like ligaments.  Prolonged stress on the ligaments can actually cause sprains.  

When dealing with an injury sustained in a motor vehicle accident, work injury or sports injury, it is important to consult your Chiropractor before using this device.