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Dangers of Inversion Boards

Inversion therapy works to remove pressure from the spine by hanging the patient upside down. Commonly done by stretching out on a special table, which then tilts to cause inversion, inversion therapy proponents claim that the stretching eases back pain and slows other spinal problems. Not without its side effects, certain people are advised to avoid this type of therapy altogether.

  1. Beginners and Inversion Therapy

    • Whatever its effects on the spine, inversion therapy definitely results in increased blood flow to the head. According to a 2008 BBC article, not even professional athletes spend more than a few minutes at a time upside down. The article states that prolonged inversion can cause problems with the lungs, heart and brain, especially in those with increased blood pressure. Advice for the beginner includes starting slowly, with less drastic degrees of inversion and for shorter periods until the person is used to it and find outs how the body reacts. If nothing else, a person may experience light-headedness with inversion therapy, especially in the early stages.

    Maintain a Spotter

    • Manufacturers of inversion therapy tables recommend that in the early days of inversion therapy, individuals not use the inversion table alone. It is never certain how a person will react to the therapy. When combined with light-headedness and unfamiliarity with how the machine works, the use of an inversion board or table can lead to accidents. Having a spotter is always a good idea and in the early use of the table, is a necessity.

    Increased Blood Pressure

    • The greatest danger from inversion table comes from the sudden increase in blood pressure. Individuals who take blood thinners or who use aspirin therapy shouldn't use inversion tables at all. Pregnant women and individuals who suffer from glaucoma, had a recent spinal injury or surgery, had a stroke or are at risk from a stroke should seek a professional medical opinion in the use of any inversion table, according to "Chicago Tribune" health columnist, Julie Deardorff.

    Doctor Recommendations

    • Inversion table proponents report positive results with inversion therapy and many safely use inversion tables on a daily basis. The idea of standing on the head to invert blood flow and relieve spinal pressure originally comes from Yoga, Deardorff states in her article, "Inversions Gain Traction." The idea behind inversion is to reverse the pooling of blood in the lower extremities that occurs because of gravity and relieve spinal compression and pressure, but there are always other ways to alleviate spinal pain. Anyone who is at risk, or has questions as to the safety of using an inversion table, must consult their doctor before use.

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