Should You Use An Inversion Table For Lower Back Pain?
I get this question all the time so the quick answer will be YES but it is not a quick answer because there are some adverse effects that can happen that you MUST know and expect.
The purpose of an inversion table is to take pressure off the spine by literally inverting you upside down. By tipping the scales you will reverse the gravity and take pressure of sensitive and possibly painful structures such as the spinal joints, discs, and nerves.
Risks?
If you are someone who has glaucoma, blood pressure issues, heart rate issues, strokes, dizzy spells, severe headaches, and even severe lower back pain (and others) I would consider not trying and consulting your MD first.
Also, when someone is really having intense lower back pain it is likely the best option to let the pain go down before trying.
As a result of the decompression on the spine, it is often said that patients feel a stretch and achy feeling within the spine. This is the spine decompressing. After this occurs sometimes patients report relief and sometimes it creates lower back pain and aches because the spine has never went through this process before. The achy pain is fairly common in decompression therapy and other types of manual therapy. Of course it can be beneficial however, there can be a flare up and that is sometimes part of the process.
Technique is everything
To minimize the adverse side effects you need to substitute your decompression routine with exercise, chiropractic care, etc.
Going upside down should be gradual in nature with the angle as well as the amount of time you are upside down. Everything should be gradual and there should be rest periods. Do not exceed 1-2 minutes upside down even if you are feeling well.
Not only will this help reduce lower back flare ups but you will actually get the benefits.
Overall
This stuff works to help lower back pain but its better used when you are not in pain and is a better preventative method. Pain is the last symptom and is a sign you need to do things different.