Do inversion tables work?

tplyons · #1 04-15-2009, 11:32 PM

For those who don't know I'm 22 with bad back pain at times. On occasion it's so bad that I can't even sleep.

I'm looking into getting an inversion table. From what I've read, they alleviate back pain, increase circulation and improve posture and energy, all of which I could really use.

Does anyone have any experience with these and if so would you recommend it?

Febs · #2 04-15-2009, 11:38 PM

I saw a neurosurgeon on Wednesday for a flare up of a recurring problem that I have with a herniated disk in my neck. An inversion table was one of the things that he recommended to me.

nataku · #3 04-16-2009, 12:19 AM

I know an older guy who used one for a while after surgery, and it seemed to really help him in the long run.

bongomania · #4 04-16-2009, 12:27 AM

IME they do work, at least as part of a larger program of rehab. What doesn't necessarily do much (from what I've read) is the arch-shaped back extender bridge-doodads you'll see on sites with lots of testimonials. Apparently those are no more effective than a good stretching exercise with no special equipment.

Stumbo · #5 04-16-2009, 01:11 AM

What's your Dr. say?

My wife solved her lower back pain with a Tempurpedic mattress on an adjustable bed frame. By being able to raise her legs at night, it took the pressure off of her back.

tplyons · #6 04-16-2009, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stumbo

What's your Dr. say?

Don't know. Haven't been able to see him since his office just burned down. He's been seeing his higher priority (elder) patients first.

winston · #7 04-16-2009, 12:59 PM

I think they can be helpful, just be sure your ankles are securely fastened. My wife (who's a certified massage therapist and is familiar with such devices) was using one (without a spotter) and the ankle holder thingy slipped. She fell straight onto her head and I thank the good Lord that she's OK. She could have been a quadriplegic.

If there are any acrosage practitioners in your area that's also an option. They are plentiful where I live in Northern California. In the hands & feet of a skilled person it can be a very beneficial form of massage.

Don't know whether your pain is the result of injury, posture, congenital condition or what. For me studying the Alexander Technique, yoga (poses like cat-cow) and building some core strength with Pilates has been very helpful for back/hip issues I've had.

Jack · #8 04-16-2009, 01:38 PM

My dad got one (subsidised by the NHS) and it's really helped him with his back pain. I like it after a hard days gardening.

NJL · #9 04-16-2009, 01:44 PM

they have helped me in the past

DudeistMonk · #10 04-16-2009, 02:10 PM

...I thought this was going to be a thread about chord inversions.

Fontaine · #11 04-16-2009, 02:26 PM

how long would you stay in these each time u use them?

BurningSkies · #12 04-16-2009, 03:12 PM

I used to have back pain...then bought the hardest mattress I could find.

Its gone away now.

GeneralElectric · #13 04-16-2009, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BurningSkies

I used to have back pain...then bought the hardest mattress I could find.

Its gone away now.

Same here, although I sleep on a board I attached to my wall now.

Its a small 5x7 board that comes down on a set of hinges and has a chain holding either end, as well as braces on the bottom. Its comfortable and its a real space saver as well.

It even works when company shares your bed, so long as you built it right it should be sturdy. I'll take a picture for those interested when I get home.

Memory foam also works wonders as well.

/chronic neck back and shoulder pain sufferer

Ericman197 · #14 04-16-2009, 05:20 PM

This is something I'd be interested to look into, but I'm skeptical. I doubt it will work to reverse what initially caused the herniation (tear in the annulus fibrosus), but it's possible that it will relieve some pain.

However I don't like the idea of hanging upside down. That's going to cause a huge blood pressure increase in your head. Plenty of people stand on their heads in yoga so it's unlikely to outright kill you on the spot, but I'd check with a doctor first to make sure you're healthy enough to try it. At 22 I would suspect yes, but as Wikipedia alludes, there are many conditions which would put you at risk. Having done head stands in yoga before I find it uncomfortable. You can really feel the blood pooling in your head and eyes, building up pressure. As I have a family history of stroke, the idea of putting more blood in my head is worrisome.

stevetx19 · #15 04-16-2009, 08:07 PM

head stands in yoga are apparently quite beneficial, but i've always been told not to do them if you have eye conditions. Since these inversions are similar, perhaps that is something to consider.

DanAleks · #16 04-26-2009, 01:21 PM

I had one. It helped, but I had to get rid of it due to lack of space. The ceilings weren't tall enough.

Recently, I was at a golf show in Chicago. I had taken the EL to the show & my hips & lower back were killing me because of the crappy seats.

I saw some insoles called "happy feet" at the show. They're filled with glycerin that flows around & feels like a foot massage when you walk. I bought a pair and after wearing them for 10 minutes, my hip and back pain went away. They're $40, but REALLY helped me.

I don't work for the company & I don't get any kickbacks from them for advertising.

www.happyfeet.net.