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Are Inversion Tables Dangerous?

Updated on February 1, 2011

Inversion Tables Bring Relief For Pain - But Are They Dangerous?

For most inversion therapy is completely safe, but for some consulting with your doctor before attempting inversion therapy should be done.

Inversion tables can provide relief for a number of health issues like back pain, to decompress your spine, stretch your muscles, relieve stress and improve blood circulation. While these are some of the benefits of using inversion therapy tables, there are certain cases where inversion therapy may not be the right thing for you.

Starting To Exercise With An Inversion Table
Starting To Exercise With An Inversion Table

Things To Look Out For

For most people an inversion table is completely safe to use. But if you suffer from any of the following problems consult with your doctor before trying inversion therapy:

  • Using anti-coagulants

  • Weak bones or recent fractures

  • Glaucoma or Conjunctivitis

  • High blood pressure or circulatory problems

  • Hiatal or ventral hernias

  • Obesity

  • Pregnancy

  • Retinal detachment

  • Spinal injuries

  • Stroke

  • Transient ischemic attacks

The most obvious dangers of inversion therapy relate to the device itself. You are, after all, spinning your whole weight upside down supported by a mechanical device. The stability and construction of the device are a primary concern in order to ensure that it can support your weight and remain stationary while you use it.

Check reviews on the particular inversion therapy table you are interested in, review all manufacturer materials regarding the device and make sure that it is substantial enough and stable enough to safely use.

Another issue to consider is how your feet attach to the device. If you're feet are not secured properly you could fall out of the device. Because you are hanging upside down, that means you would fall on your head, possibly bending your neck in a dangerous way or injuring your back.

Needless to say, you don't want to fall out of the device.

Another potential problem is that you might get stuck upside down. If, for whatever reason, you can't get the device to flip you back upright, then you are in trouble. You will need to be able to bend up against gravity, essentially doing and holding a sit-up with straight legs, to reach the device holding you in position.

For this reason it is important to make sure there is another person nearby in case you need assistance getting out of the device. And, if you do manage to get free by yourself, you may face a freefall to the ground. This is why it is recommended that you have someone nearby when performing inversion therapy.

For some people, inversion is not a safe activity. Flipping your body over to the inverted position will cause blood to collect in your head. Normally gravity causes blood to be pulled towards your feet. That means that the blood is doing the opposite it usually does, something that can be quite stressful on your body.

It means that your heart is pumping blood differently, too. Because of that, if you suffer from a heart condition or high blood pressure, you should probably not try inversion. Or, at least, you should consult your doctor before beginning inversion table therapy.

Inversion table exercises have been shown to be a fairly safe practice. As long as you make sure you have someone with you to make sure you don't get stuck upside down, and you don't practice without your doctor's consent if you have circulatory problems, you should be fine.

So give inversion therapy a try to see what you think.

Many users swear by inversion therapy; you too may end up swearing by it.

Instructions for use of Teeter HangUp Inversion Table
Instructions for use of Teeter HangUp Inversion Table

Inversion Table Reviews

While there are any number of inversion tables available, not all are the same. As I have researched this subject I have narrowed down the selection to just 3 manufacturers: Teeter HangUps, Gravity and IronMane inversion therapy tables.

You might begin thinking about cost before you take the time to read the reviews, and that would be a mistake. Some manufacturers use inferior materials, and the engineering and design of the inversion table has resulted in a device that will not serve your long term interests.

You should first put price aside and start by examining the manufacturer's material and see if they have addressed the 2 most important considerations: the stability of the inversion table and the safety of use of the device.

For example, how easy is it to reach all of the controls on the inversion table while you are using it? Does the table remain stationary and not move while using it. Are instructions included on how to assemble, use and store the device?

You can find some useful inversion therapy table reviews here.

Inversion Therapy Exercises

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