Negative Effects of Inversion Therapy

Inversion therapy employs an inversion table, a device to which people are firmly attached and then hung upside down, using gravitational pull to help relieve spinal pressure, increase flexibility and improve blood circulation. Most people benefit from this practice and often experience improved health; however, others with various illnesses can expose themselves to negative side effects of this therapy.

Obesity

• The Sports Injury Clinic states that obese people experience negative effects of inversion therapy because they often exceed the recommended weight capacity of the tables.

Middle Ear Infection

• People with middle ear infections have negative side effects of inversion therapy, such as discomfort and disorientation during their session.

Glaucoma

• Cure-back-pain.org states that people with glaucoma feel negative effects from inversion therapy, since it obstructs the flow of fluids that circulate in the eyes, causing pressure on the optic nerves.

Retinal Detachment

• A negative effect of inversion therapy can be a detached retina, a condition in which the retina separates from the optic nerve.

Spinal Injury

• The Energy Center states that one of the negative effects of inversion therapy can include spinal injury.

Strokes

• People who have suffered a stroke should avoid inversion therapy; they may experience a reduction of blood flow to the brain and neck.