Inversion Tables for Back Pain: Do They Work?
Research Provides Some Insight & Do's/Don'ts.

Of all the questions I get from patients, one of the most frequent is: "Would an inversion table help my condition?"

I've heard it enough times to finally try and get an answer.

I searched the well-known medical research database Medline for key words inversion table, inversion spinal traction, inverted spinal traction and a few others.

The results?

Voila'! Two studies came up initially. Then with further searching, a few more.

In a nutshell here's what real research points out:

Inverted spinal traction does increase spinal length during the procedure. No data about how long it is maintained afterwards was found.

It did reduce pain complaints in most people who used it; note however, that different studies used different devices and several studies were done in the mid 80's and may or may not resemble the ones being used as a clothes-hanger in your basement currently.

Secondary effects of blurred vision, petichea around the eyes and windpipe, and blood pressure increase was also observed in some of the subjects as well as general discomfort from the device being used.

So what now?

A few of the authors concluded that although inversion table traction can help reduce low back pain, it should be used under guidance of a medical practitioner (preferrably someone who knows your case) and with caution if you have blood pressure or cardiac issues. People with the latter may want to avoid using the devices if their vascular problems are not well-controlled.

by Michael Rinaldi, PT, OCS - March 17, 2009

Back to Top

###