Do Inversion Tables Help Sciatica?

If you feel a shooting pain down the back of your right or left leg, sciatica may be causing it. Several factors can cause sciatica, including bulging or herniated discs, spondylolisthesis, lumbar spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, trauma or spinal tumors. The question is, “Do Inversion Tables Help Sciatica?” We did some research…

Can You Relieve Sciatica Pain by Hanging Upside Down?

4 Positions of the Innova Fitness Inversion tableOf course, inversion therapy does not solve all sciatica problems. However, it can reduce the compression problem because hanging upside down essentially decompresses the discs in one’s back. Depending on the medical case, doctors can prescribe remedies from physical therapy all the way to surgery.

According to Spine Universe, “Sciatica is caused by compression of one or more of the 5 sets of nerve roots in the lower back.”

Many patients opt for the non-invasive options first, like inversion therapy. Since basic inversion tables cost very little (about $100-150) and you can easily use them at home, people try them. Basically, they hope to avoid the more costly and potentially painful remedies.

In addition to decompression, the activity of inversion can also help re-align the spine and increase circulation to help heal and speed up recovery. Some users like inversion simply because these factors help the relax and feel better.

All that said, the initial cause of sciatica pain may have been caused by years of poor posture or long periods of sitting. These issues can lead to tightening and shortening of muscles and ligaments which accentuate the pain.

In cases such as this, the person would need to fix the poor posture problem or lessen the time they spend sitting. An inversion table would only be a temporary fix if the base problem isn’t resolved.


Teeter Hangups Inversion Tables

Should You Try an Inversion Table for Your Sciatica?

Of course, medical cases vary. Plus, you truly won’t know if inversion therapy will work for you until you try it.

First, you want to check with your doctor. Also, find out what other stretching routines and lifestyle changes you need to incorporate into your healing regimen. Some at-home, non-invasive therapies can take time but can also effectively minimize sciatica pain.