i have a Teeter inversion table---since 2007. It was quite helpful during my back issues and still i use it. this isnt my specialty, but i guess the relief comes from the axial decompression..? I have bulges at L4/5/S1...("Thats what she said")
so since i have one...it must be "doctor recommended"!!
HC

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Holden Cain, ObGyn..."People pulling people out of people"

It's my understanding that traction gets about a "D" mostly because the beneficial decompression is swamped by the volume of compression experienced for the rest of the day, but also by a possible rebound effect after standing. Spending more time lying down might be more effective. In the end it's probably good to stay with what works, regardless of what others have experienced.

They must be good since there's even an IM branded series available:


https://www.ironman-inversion-tables.com

This should go great with the IM blender, mattress, scale, enema, watch...

Ohhhhh NOOOOO! Thaks for input all appreciate.

When the neuros arrive, maybe they'd also address whether you can use it if you've had a Birmingham hip resurface? The literature says no if you've had a replacement, but a resurface is a different thing altogether. Thanks ~~

kate

Another Q I have regarding inversion is that I sometimes get really dizzy after just a short period of time. A couple of times I have had to lie down afterwards for quite some time to get over it.

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David
* Ironman for Life! (Blog) * IM Everyday Hero Video * Daggett Shuler Law *
Disclaimer: I have personal and professional relationships with many athletes, vendors, and organizations in the triathlon world.

I'm intrest in this also. I herniated some discs in my neck this year and this just seems like it would be heaven.

While I can't speak to neck issues I can tell you when I get on the inversion table it's just fantastic. Instant relief on the disc spaces, but also the soft tissue. My QL gets really locked up and when I get off the table it's like butter.

Nothing brilliant to add to the discussion other than the Teeter inversion feels really good. On a much more quantitative note, when I had a stubborn and painful bout of sciatica, I wasn't able to do press ups but lying face down on the table, going to around 60 degrees, I was able to do the exercises to help the recovery. So, it definitely came in really handy for that. I don't see how it is bad, at the very least, it is a nice stretch and relaxation.

Based my experience and (limited) knowledge I'd say it's both decompression and increased blood flow.

When I used mine, it did provide temporary relief. Fwiw, my ortho warned about the effects of the blood presure on one's eyes if it was used too often. Never did seem to effect me though.

In the end, as I just posted in another thread, it was surgery that cured my L5/S1 herniation. Haven't been back on the inversion table since. Like anything, if it feels good and is used in moderation, I'm sure it cant hurt. Good luck.

because then you'd spend less money with your neuros ;-) only half kidding

when I actually use mine, it works great, i need to use it more regularly. It was only $100, which is less than my co-payment for just 3 chiro visits (not even enough visits to fix one issue). In other words, if it saves me from even just one round of chiro visits, it more than pays for itself.

Every doctor I've ever asked about it said that they do work well, even my chiro's have admitted to such (after some prodding that is since they didn't want to lose my business!)

I had one with heat also and gave it a shot over a couple of months but never really felt any difference. Definitely relaxing, bu didn't help me. Lately I have been using inversion boots hanging completely upside down for 10 mins or so every couple of days and have noticed a bit of relief.

I'm glad I bought one a few years ago. Herniated disc L4-L5 , Every once in a while, I use it and feel like a million bucks after. I would recommend this product for anyone who has back issues.

And here I thought this thread was going to be about math tables correlating inversion of your feet with breaststroke kicking speed. Never mind...:)

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"Anyone can be who they want to be IF they have the HUNGER and the DRIVE."

Sorry! I will tell ya this though, hanging by me feet in the morning and right b/f bed with this table has absolutely changed my view on how I will continue my athletic pursuits from here til the bell rings. I have cut my soft tissue work frequency in half and have zero low back pain now, not even a hint. I have gone from 'yea whatever' to let's try it to hooked. The money I have saved by not having to get so much deep tissue work has paid for the table in 2 months!

richard gere had it about right on that inversion thing

If you get one, get a folding one (aside from your girlfriend's). I have a massive non-folding one that is health club quality & it takes up half the room. Get one you can hide away somewhere.

Back in 1983 Aussie Ultra-runner Ron Grant became the first person to run around Australia (about the same distance as around the 48 U.S States) and one thing he says was invaluable were the inversion boots that a mate of his made out of ski boots.He used to hang upside down from a pole between his two crew vehicles for about 30mins each day after running.The run took him 217 days.

I often wish I had a pair of those old inversion boots as my lower back gets pretty damned sore sometimes.
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I bought a Teeter EP 560 and it folds away nicely. LOVE this thing my back feels insanely good.....even better than b/f that dang drunk hit me.

A few thoughts, from a guy without credentials other than pre-med BS (also in Chemical Engineering, which I pursued instead of med school), personal training experience, as well as 10yrs as a professional athlete working with trainers, chiro's, and LOTS of time/injuries working with ortho's and other specialists. That part includes 2 cervical fractures and 4 spinal fractures, 3 herniated dics, one persisting over 5 separate injuries. My father in law also has low spinal injuries persisting, has had 8 surgeries and untold hours of PT and chiro work. We spend a lot of time talking about his treatments and options, how he has responded to it, or, unfortunately more often, has NOT responded to it.

I too find "relief" in inverting on a table for a few hours a week. Through my yoga practice, I learned around 2005 how "refreshing" it can be to switch ends (usually via King's Pose = headstand). I've heard/read several different justifications for this feeling, but not sure I believe any one particular reason.

I suppose if you had an issue with musculature in your lower back, then suspending you upside down might put more load on those muscles. It'd feel good to stretch them at the time, but might not benefit long term.

BUT....

In all of the time I have spent in physical therapy or with Ortho's or Chiro's, I have NEVER had a medical professional completely invert me. Only a few rare occurrences have I ever been inverted on an angled table. This isn't inclusive evidence, but rather exclusive. Seems like if it were really good for us, then doctors would be using it. Maybe there's MORE benefit to the traction and decompression methods that they use, or maybe there is some detrimental effect potential to suspending upside down, but it seems odd that it doesn't get used if it's so great.

What OTHER decompression techniques have you tried? Back bends over an exercise ball are as relaxing to me as inverting is, and I figure it's better to be actively and dynamically stretching rather than just inverting. Belly down "ball hugs" also feel fantastic on my lower back.