There is much speculation around the

. Do they actually work? Are they dangerous? Are they a waste of money? The real answer lies with the user and the symptoms experienced, as well as their expectations.

Inversion tables are a form of spinal traction. They stretch the muscles and ligaments surrounding the spine, and in turn reduce muscle spasms for many people. Muscle spasms are often due to an imbalance of weak and tight muscles. While this can sometimes be helped by exercise, massage and physical therapy, inversion tables provide another tool for the toolbox. In some cases, inversion alone may be enough to allow the muscles to relax, and to reduce spasms. This will depend on the degree of tension each person experiences.

While many skeptics claim that there are no benefits to the actual spinal discs or bones, many users with bulging and compressed discs have experienced unmatched benefits. The tension that is relieved by inversion is often short-term, but every day regular use relieves pain on a consistent basis. Those who see a chiropractor regularly, for example, may find that inversion provides great relief between visits. Inversion tables are not a once-a-month quick fix to a problem. Consistent use is what provides relief.

Many people are skeptical of inversion tables because they haven’t used them long enough. This is also a problem with many of the studies done on inversion tables. Depending upon the level of pain, many people need to go through multiple sessions before experiencing real benefits from inversion. Remember that full inversion isn’t something to jump right into, nor is it necessary. It is recommended that first time users begin slow. Early sessions are only 1-2 minutes and the degree of inversion is smaller. As a user becomes more comfortable, they may increase the length of inversion, degree of inversion, and number of sessions to find what fits their individual needs.

Another reason some people question inversion deals with the condition they are trying to address. Inversion therapy has received significant praise from those diagnosed with compressed discs, and those experiencing pain and pressure in the lower back from muscle tension. Both of these problems are often due to the constant pressure of gravity experienced in daily life. Inversion tables reverse the direction of gravitational force, and therefore provide relief that can be difficult to accomplish alone otherwise. More serious conditions many need to be addressed by a doctor. For example, any pain or numbness or involuntary movement experienced in the arms or legs could be much more serious that tight muscles or compressed discs. In this case, inversion may not provide the relief a user is seeking. Or, as stated previously, inversion may prove helpful only if another form of treatment is also part of the plan.

There are very few contraindications for inversion table use. Those who are pregnant, have high blood pressure, heart disease, or eye diseases such as glaucoma, should avoid using inversion tables until they have had the opportunity to speak with a healthcare professional. Higher degrees of inversion can increase blood pressure and reduce heart rate. For this reason, it is always best to select the appropriate treatment for the needs of each individual.

When used appropriately, inversion tables have been proven to offer a safe and effective way to relieve pain in the comfort of one’s own home. They are affordable, and offer consistent relief without the side effects of surgery or pain relief medications.