Why Inversion Tables Don’t Work

Inversion tables are often used in inversion therapy, where a patient is suspended upside down for several minutes. The goal of this treatment is to relieve back pain or similar ailments. The theory behind it suggests that by inverting the body, the effects of gravity on the spine are reversed, relieving the compression caused by gravity over time. While inversion therapy may provide a temporary massage-like relief, it is not a long-term solution for chronic back pain.

If you’re dealing with chronic back pain or sciatica, our Fort Myers physical therapy and Cape Coral physical therapy clinics are here to help with expert care tailored to your needs.

Why Inversion Tables Often Fall Short

1. It Can Aggravate Your Pain
When your body is inverted, the muscles around your spine stretch. Unfortunately, inversion tables cannot calculate the exact amount of force needed to safely decompress specific spinal segments. This often leads to over-stretching, which can worsen existing pain or even cause serious injuries. For a more targeted and effective approach, consider lower back pain treatment in Fort Myers for safe, evidence-based care.

2. Relief is Only Temporary
Inversion therapy might feel good while you’re doing it, but the relief is usually short-lived. To completely decompress a spinal disc, force needs to be applied consistently for 15-25 minutes daily. Remaining inverted for that long can be dangerous and lead to other health complications.

3. It May Injure the Patient
Inversion therapy can increase blood pressure and is particularly risky for patients with hypertension. It also increases pressure in other sensitive areas, such as the inner ears and eyes, potentially causing harm. For a safer and more reliable option, our sciatica treatment in Fort Myers provides long-lasting relief without the risks of inversion therapy.

4. It Doesn’t Target Specific Discs
One of the major limitations of inversion tables is their inability to target specific discs in the spine. Effective decompression requires applying a precise amount of force to a particular area of the spine while avoiding unnecessary strain on healthy discs. Inversion therapy uses a straight-line traction force that lacks the precision needed for disc-specific decompression.

Conclusion: Why Physical Therapy is a Better Choice

While inversion tables may seem like a convenient option, they often fall short as a long-term solution. For chronic back pain, sports injuries, or herniated discs, physical therapy offers a more effective and sustainable approach. At Back In Motion, our Fort Myers physical therapy and Cape Coral physical therapy clinics focus on getting to the root cause of your pain and providing personalized treatments designed to relieve pain and restore function.

Ready to Find Real Relief?

Don’t let chronic back pain or sciatica take a toll on your health or lead to risky surgeries. Our lower back pain treatment in Fort Myers and sciatica treatment in Fort Myers offer proven solutions to help you feel better and move better.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment with one of our back pain specialists and take the first step toward lasting relief!

 

 

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