Low back pain is one of the most common conditions treated in physical therapy clinics, and when it’s accompanied by radiculopathy—pain that radiates into the legs due to nerve root compression—it becomes even more complex to manage. One increasingly popular and non-invasive tool in addressing this issue is the inversion table.
At Brooklyn Pain Doctors, we incorporate evidence-based techniques into our rehabilitation plans. For many patients with lower back pain and radiculopathy, inversion therapy can be an effective, low-risk addition to their physical therapy program.
Radiculopathy occurs when spinal nerve roots are compressed, inflamed, or irritated—often caused by:
Herniated discs
Degenerative disc disease
Spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
This compression can lead to symptoms such as:
Sharp or burning pain radiating down the leg (sciatica)
Numbness or tingling
Muscle weakness in the lower extremities
Difficulty standing or walking
Managing radiculopathy requires relieving the pressure on the affected nerve root. This is where inversion therapy can play a valuable role.
An inversion table is a device that allows a person to be suspended upside down or at an inverted angle. By tilting the body backward, gravity helps gently decompress the spine, stretching muscles and separating vertebrae.
In clinical settings, inversion therapy is usually performed at a mild angle (15–30 degrees) under supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Inversion helps reduce pressure between spinal discs, allowing bulging or herniated discs to retract slightly. This can relieve the compression on spinal nerves responsible for radiculopathy symptoms.
Inverted positions increase blood flow to the spinal structures and improve lymphatic drainage. This helps reduce inflammation and accelerates healing of the soft tissues around the spine.
Gentle traction during inversion stretches spinal muscles and ligaments, relieving spasms and tightness that often accompany chronic low back pain.
Patients with radiculopathy often develop stiffness and restricted movement. Inversion therapy helps maintain spinal flexibility, making physical therapy exercises more effective.
For patients seeking alternatives to steroid injections or surgery, inversion therapy offers a conservative, drug-free method to manage pain and improve quality of life.
At [Your Clinic Name], inversion tables are used in conjunction with other modalities, not as a standalone treatment. A typical treatment plan may include:
Supervised inversion therapy sessions (2–3 times per week)
Core-strengthening exercises
Manual therapy and stretching
Postural correction techniques
Electrical stimulation or ultrasound (as needed)
Each program is tailored to the patient’s condition, mobility, and tolerance. Inversion is introduced gradually and monitored closely to ensure safety and comfort.
While inversion therapy is generally safe for most people, it is not recommended for individuals with:
Uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart disease
Glaucoma or other eye conditions
Recent spinal surgery
Pregnancy
Osteoporosis or severe joint instability
Our team carefully evaluates each patient to determine suitability before recommending inversion therapy.
Many of our patients with radiculopathy have reported significant relief after a few weeks of adding inversion therapy to their treatment plan. They experience:
Decreased leg and lower back pain
Improved flexibility and mobility
Better tolerance for daily activities and exercise
Inversion therapy is a simple, non-invasive technique that, when implemented properly within a physical therapy program, can offer meaningful relief for patients suffering from low back pain with radiculopathy. It addresses the root cause—nerve compression—while enhancing overall spinal health and mobility.
If you or someone you know is struggling with radiating back pain, contact [Your Clinic Name] to find out if inversion therapy could be the missing piece in your recovery plan.