Article Rundown

• Decompression tables for back pain?
• My experience with them
• My thoughts on inversion tables, etc.
• Alternatives to do instead

Decompression Tables for Back Pain?

In this video, I address a frequently asked question: “Brian, what do you think about spinal decompression tables, such as inversion tables?” I will share my thoughts on these devices, along with recommendations based on your specific injury. Additionally, I will discuss alternatives to inversion tables and similar treatments. Be sure to read this article and watch the full video before investing hundreds of dollars in decompression treatments that may not be appropriate for you.

My Experience 

When it comes to inversion tables, they were far from a cure for my injury. In the early stages of my recovery, I found them to be too aggressive, which resulted in increased pain rather than relief. At the time, I weighed between 270 and 280 pounds, and even when positioned semi-upside down on the inversion table, the weight exerted considerable pressure on my spine. This was excessive traction for my injury, particularly given my unstable spine. Individuals with spinal instability due to damage may experience exacerbated pain and further instability from using inversion tables or similar devices.

Do some people find relief with inversion tables? Yes, I believe some do. However, I consider inversion tables to be a better option than visiting a chiropractor or a specialized treatment facility that utilizes a decompression machine where patients are strapped in, and a computer pulls on their spine. I have witnessed patients sustain irreparable damage from a single session on these machines, leading some to ultimately require spinal fusion surgeries due to severe nerve root compression. While I acknowledge that these treatments may have their place, I am cautious about broadly recommending them to clients suffering from back pain without first conducting a thorough assessment to understand their condition. This highlights the importance of consulting a professional, such as myself, for an assessment. If you are interested in learning more about assessments, you can do so [HERE].

What to do Instead

As a McGill-certified clinician, I recommend several alternative approaches instead of relying on inversion tables. For some patients, performing a pull-up hang with reduced weight from a bench or box can provide gradual spinal decompression. This technique is more appropriate for individuals with compressed spines rather than those with instability. Additionally, we encourage clients to ease into spinal decompression rather than jumping straight into full-body weight hanging. Another technique we advocate, as mentioned in Back Mechanic, involves using positions of respite, such as lying on the stomach. Depending on the specific condition—whether it be a disc bulge, facet joint pain, nerve damage, or other triggers—this position may be contraindicated for some individuals. In general, spinal decompression tables and traction devices may not be the best solution for many. However, starting with a tummy lie, as outlined in Back Mechanic, can provide gentle decompression without aggressive strain.

Before considering traction or decompression machines, I suggest trying the park bench decompression technique. If you are unfamiliar with this method, please refer to the accompanying video [HERE] for a demonstration. For individuals with spinal stenosis, this finely-tuned decompression can be transformative. It is essential not to expect quick fixes from a chiropractor who offers a 20-30 minute session filled with various manipulations or uses a traction table without a tailored approach. Such a generic approach may leave you in worse condition than when you arrived. As McGill clinicians, we incorporate gentle traction during assessments by applying light pulling on the heels while the patient lies on their stomach, among other techniques. This method is significantly less aggressive and allows us to determine if decompression is appropriate for your injury. We can then gradually increase the level of decompression if necessary, while being careful to avoid methods that could cause irreversible damage. If a technique proves counterproductive, we promptly discontinue its use in favor of safer alternatives.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, while spinal decompression tables and inversion tables may offer benefits for some individuals, they are not universally effective and can potentially worsen certain conditions. It is crucial to assess your specific injury and consult with a qualified professional before engaging in such treatments. Employing alternative techniques and personalized approaches can lead to safer and more effective outcomes in managing back pain. Always prioritize thorough assessments and tailored recommendations to ensure you make informed decisions regarding your health.

BRIAN DOES ONLINE AND IN-PERSON COACHING!

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