Can Inversion Tables Help Your Herniated Disc? Expert, Evidence-Based Answers from a National Spine Leader

Written by Dr. Matthias Wiederholz, MD | Last Updated: December 2024

As a quadruple board-certified interventional pain and regenerative medicine specialist, I bring extensive expertise to the question: Can inversion tables help your herniated disc? 

A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through its tougher outer layer (annulus fibrosis), often pressing on nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness. Many patients in Houston, TX, ask whether inversion tables—devices that tilt your head down to relieve spinal pressure—can truly offer relief. While the idea is appealing, it’s important to recognize both the clinical realities and the emotional frustration that comes with persistent back pain.

Research shows that inversion tables may provide short-term symptom relief for some people with herniated discs, but the evidence is limited, and not everyone benefits. My practice at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine focuses on advanced, minimally invasive options—like the Discseel® procedure—so patients can avoid unnecessary surgery, lengthy recoveries, and repeated setbacks. 

If you’re tired of pain holding you back, let’s explore what actually works—and how you can get moving again safely.

How Do Inversion Tables Work?

Inversion tables are devices that allow you to lie back and tilt at an angle—sometimes fully upside down—letting gravity gently stretch the spine. The basic idea is that by reversing the direction of gravity, pressure is temporarily reduced in the spaces between the spinal vertebrae (the backbones). This stretch can decompress the spinal discs and nerves, sometimes offering a feeling of relief or relaxation for people with certain types of back pain.

In my own clinical experience, many patients are drawn to inversion therapy because it feels active and self-directed—a way to “do something” about your discomfort without immediately jumping to surgery or medications. However, it is important to understand both what inversion tables can do and what they cannot. Their action is broad, providing a general stretch rather than targeting a specific disc or nerve.

For those navigating complex back symptoms, see our post on managing lumbar degenerative disc disease to understand other causes of chronic pain.

What Conditions Might Benefit from Inversion?

Patients often report short-term relief from chronic low back pain, muscle tightness, or even mild sciatica after using inversion tables. Brief periods of inversion can sometimes increase flexibility and relax muscles. The Cleveland Clinic notes this effect, but also points out that most studies are small and the evidence for lasting benefit is mixed; any relief is typically temporary and not guaranteed for all users.

As a quadruple board-certified pain specialist, I’ve seen that for those with mild, non-progressive symptoms and good overall health, inversion tables may be used safely as a complementary therapy, not as a central part of spine care. However, the evidence does not support inversion as a curative treatment. For more complex issues like a true herniated disc (disc bulge compressing a nerve), other advanced, targeted approaches offer far greater hope for meaningful recovery.

Read our overview of herniated disc symptoms, causes, and treatment for more on disc symptoms. 

Can Inversion Tables Help Your Herniated Disc?

Inversion tables may provide short-term relief for some people with a herniated disc, but they do not cure the root problem and are not safe or effective for everyone. Safer, more lasting alternatives exist.

If you’re suffering from a herniated disc (when the disc’s inner material bulges or leaks and presses on nerves, causing pain or numbness), it’s natural to seek out non-surgical relief options. Some patients do experience a few hours of symptom improvement after inversion, but in my extensive practice, long-term outcomes are generally disappointing when people rely solely on inversion tables.

See our blog on symptoms of a bulging disc in the neck (C5-C6) for an in-depth look at bulging or herniated cervical discs. 

Is There Research or Clinical Evidence?

Available research shows that inversion therapy can create a mild, temporary reduction in spinal pressure, which may ease symptoms for some. One notable study found that combining inversion therapy with physical therapy could reduce the odds of progressing to surgery; however, the research was small, and results haven’t been widely duplicated.

As someone who has performed over 10,000 minimally invasive spine procedures, I know that true healing requires more than just relieving pressure for a few moments. The current consensus in the medical community—and what I see clinically—is that inversion tables can help with mild discomfort, but are not a primary solution for a herniated disc. Cleveland Clinic reinforces that more rigorous studies are needed before inversion can be recommended as a stand-alone therapy.

Discover additional strategies for effective treatment options for L5-S1 disc herniation pain.

Does It Work for Spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis (when one vertebra slips forward over another and creates instability in the spine) is a different—and riskier—condition. Inversion therapy may exacerbate symptoms in individuals with certain health conditions by increasing pressure in the head and eyes.

I always urge a careful diagnosis first. Relying solely on inversion therapy may delay seeking more precise and effective treatments. For further reading, see Understanding S1 nerve distribution: anatomy, symptoms, and treatment.

Benefits and Limitations of Inversion Tables

Inversion tables do offer some benefits, but their limitations—and risks—are just as important to understand.

Benefits:

• Brief, short-term easing of back pain or muscle spasms for select patients
• Increased sense of relaxation and flexibility for some
• Minimal up-front cost and home use possible
• No medications or surgical incisions required

Limitations:

• No evidence of long-term disc healing or functional restoration
• Temporary symptom relief only; not a cure
• May aggravate problems if used improperly
• Can lead to delayed diagnosis and missed opportunities for true recovery

Read our resource on disc tear treatment: restoring the integrity of your spine for more insight into disc pathology and repair. 

Short-Term Relief vs. Long-Term Management

Temporary pain relief has value, especially if it helps someone stay moving. For many Houston-area patients, the goal is to remain active without shots, medication, or surgery. Still, lasting improvement requires a patient-specific plan—one that addresses the structure and function of the spine. Inversion should only ever be one small piece of a broader approach.

I counsel every patient: If pain, numbness, or weakness persists, let’s not give up—we have solutions that fix the underlying problem and restore your lifestyle.

When Inversion Makes Symptoms Worse

Some individuals may experience dizziness during inversion therapy. If that’s you, stop immediately. Aggravation of symptoms can mean the therapy is not appropriate—or even dangerous in your specific case. See emergency symptoms of a herniated disc for emergency signs.

Risks and Precautions: Who Should Avoid Inversion?

While inversion therapy seems gentle, it is not safe for everyone.

You should avoid inversion tables if you have:

• High blood pressure (risk of dangerous spikes)
• Glaucoma or increased eye pressure
• Heart disease/arrhythmia
• Spinal instability or diagnosed spinal fractures (including spondylolisthesis)
• History of stroke or vascular problems

Common risks include:

• Dizziness, headache, or vision changes
• Sudden increase in pain or nerve symptoms
• Risk of falling from the table

While inversion therapy may not increase the risk of developing a herniated disc, improper use could lead to injury. Learn more about best practices and prevention in our post on herniated disc exercises.

As a physician, I never recommend inversion therapy without first screening a patient’s cardiovascular and neurologic health. Patients with any “red flag” symptoms, like leg weakness or a change in bladder/bowel control, should see a specialist immediately.

High-Risk Patient Groups

• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Glaucoma/eye disease
• Arrhythmia/cardiovascular disease
• Spine instability (including spondylolisthesis)
• Stroke or previous significant vascular episodes

Safety Tips for Trying Inversion at Home

• Always have someone nearby to assist.
• Start with gentle angles (15–30 degrees) and short sessions (1–2 minutes).
• Come back upright slowly to avoid dizziness.
• Discontinue use if you experience any new or worsening symptoms.

Read our comprehensive guide to spinal disc tears, causes, symptoms, and treatment options for more safety information.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you have a sudden worsening of pain, leg weakness, numbness, or any urinary/bowel change, stop inversion and call a doctor right away. To reach our specialists, contact us directly.

Non-Surgical Spine Solutions: Are There Better Alternatives than Inversion?

If you’re like most of my patients who are active, motivated, and ready for real answers, you’ve probably wondered: Is there a better way to get “non-surgical herniated disc relief” in Houston beyond an inversion table?

Short answer: Yes—and I encourage exploring advanced, targeted treatment options that deliver far more reliable and lasting benefits. Discover how the Discseel® Procedure is changing the landscape of non-surgical disc repair.

Spinal Decompression vs. Inversion

Spinal decompression therapy is a professionally supervised technology—using a special, computer-controlled table—that gently stretches the spine to create precise negative pressure within the disc (like a vacuum), potentially helping a herniated disc retract and relieve pressure from nearby nerves.

• Unlike home inversion, decompression is tailored to your specific problem area.
• Success rates for inversion therapy vary among individuals.

For a full breakdown of techniques, read our comprehensive guide to L5-S1 bulging disc.

A common misconception I address in the clinic is that “gravity inversion is as good as decompression.” In reality, decompression works on the specific disc and provides the only non-surgical way (prior to advanced biologics) that has been reliably shown to reduce severe nerve pressure.

Discseel® vs. Traditional Surgery

The Discseel® Procedure—offered in Houston only by select certified specialists like myself—represents the next step in non-surgical care. This minimally invasive option uses a biologic fibrin sealant to repair the disc’s damaged outer ring (annulus fibrosus) and sparks natural collagen regeneration. It’s performed under X-ray guidance, without hardware or incisions, so most patients return to normal activity within days.

• Discseel® provides an 82% success rate, far exceeding spinal fusion, which averages ~31% in national studies.
• No loss of spinal mobility, no hospital stay, no hardware.

Having trained directly with Dr. Kevin Pauza—Discseel®’s inventor—and taught other physicians as a Master Instructor, I’ve seen lives changed when patients finally access non-surgical disc repair after years of failed treatments.

Explore real-world outcomes in our Discseel® reviews: achieving lasting back pain relief.

Discseel® is the ideal solution for those needing lasting relief with minimal downtime, especially if you’ve already tried conservative options or want to avoid spinal fusion.

In my boutique-style Houston and New Jersey clinics, I guide every patient through personalized diagnostics, advanced interventions, and one-on-one rehabilitation to help reclaim their function.

The Discseel® Procedure: Non-Surgical Hope for Herniated Discs

Discseel® is the only non-surgical procedure that actively repairs and regenerates the damaged disc structure—unlike inversion tables, which only provide temporary stretch without healing.

How Discseel® Repairs Discs

Step-by-step, Discseel® involves:

1. Targeted diagnosis: High-resolution imaging (MRI/discography) pinpoints the exact level(s) causing pain.
2. Precision biologic repair: A specialized fibrin sealant is injected directly into the disc tear, immediately sealing leaks and stopping inflammation.
3. Collagen regeneration: The biologic stimulates your body to produce new collagen, fortifying the disc over weeks to months.

Typical benefits for my Houston patients:
Most return to normal activities within days
No need for hospital stay or traditional “back surgery” recovery
Better mobility, less downtime, and preserved spinal movement

As one of only three certified Discseel® Master Instructors globally, I see patients regain hope—and independence—when pain no longer dictates their lifestyle.

“In my practice, I’ve helped countless people avoid surgery and get back to hiking, golf, and time with their families thanks to Discseel®. The difference is that we fix the source of pain—not just mask it.”

Next: Learn what sets my Houston clinic apart, including real patient experiences and transparent, world-class care.

Find out if you qualify for Discseel®—take the quick assessment here.

Google Review – Houston Patient
“Dr. Wiederholz is the ONLY doctor who really listened and found a solution after others gave up. After the Discseel® Procedure I was walking pain-free again in days. I can’t recommend Performance Pain & Sports Medicine highly enough!” — J.J., Houston

See full review on Google

What Our Patients Say on Google

Patient experiences are at the heart of my approach to spine care. Hearing directly from those I’ve helped is a powerful reminder of why I strive for excellence in every procedure.

I recently received feedback that captures what we aim to provide at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine. This reviewer shared their experience after receiving facet injections for an injury:

“Dr. Wiederholz help me tremendously with my injury after my accident. I got my facet injections with him at the surgery center and I had a great experience. I trust and recommend Dr. Wiederholz anytime.” — Carla

See more patient experiences on Google

This kind of trust and positive outcome is what I strive for with every patient—whether treating a herniated disc, spondylolisthesis, or other spine conditions. Your journey to relief matters, and I am committed to providing evidence-based, compassionate care every step of the way.

Herniated Disc and Inversion Table Solutions in Houston, TX

Living in Houston, TX, means staying active is a priority for many of my patients. The city’s vibrant lifestyle and year-round outdoor opportunities often lead people to seek fast, effective solutions for back pain—especially when dealing with a herniated disc.

Houston’s diverse population brings a wide range of spine health needs, from athletes to busy professionals. In my practice, I see firsthand how local factors—like long commutes or active recreation—can influence both the causes and management of disc problems. That’s why I tailor every treatment plan, whether considering inversion tables or advanced options like the Discseel® Procedure, to fit the unique demands of Houston residents.

As a herniated disc specialist in Houston, I am dedicated to providing minimally invasive, non-surgical spine care that gets you back to your routine quickly and safely. If you’re searching for real relief close to home, check our Houston location here, and see if you’re a candidate for the Discseel® Procedure to experience the difference of personalized, expert care right here in Houston.

Conclusion

To summarize, the question “Can inversion tables help your herniated disc?” is one I hear often from active patients in Houston. While inversion tables may offer brief, mild relief for some, they do not address the root cause of disc pain or provide lasting results. My focus is on advanced regenerative care, without invasive surgery—helping you regain mobility, independence, and the quality of life you deserve.

Treatments like Discseel® and targeted spinal decompression are designed to repair the disc itself, not just mask symptoms. Research shows that professional decompression therapy is more effective than inversion tables for long-term relief.

As a quadruple board-certified regenerative spine specialist, I am dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care and rapid access to the most advanced non-surgical solutions. If you’re ready to stop missing out on life due to back pain, I invite you to take the next step—contact us today.

See if you are a candidate for the Discseel® Procedure—appointments are often available within 1–2 weeks. Call my Houston office at (346) 217-1111 or Lawrenceville at (609) 588-8600, or take the quick assessment here. Early intervention leads to better outcomes. Let’s help you reclaim your life.

This article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

Frequently Asked Questions

How effective are inversion tables for herniated discs?

Inversion tables may provide short-term relief for mild herniated disc symptoms, but they do not heal the disc or offer lasting improvement. Most studies show only temporary benefits, and some patients may experience increased discomfort. For true recovery, I recommend exploring advanced, non-surgical options that target the disc itself.

Where can I find non-surgical herniated disc relief in Houston, TX?

You can find non-surgical herniated disc relief at my Houston practice, where I offer advanced regenerative treatments like the Discseel® Procedure. My approach is personalized, focusing on restoring your mobility and helping you return to your active lifestyle as quickly and safely as possible.

What should I expect during my first consultation for regenerative spine care?

During your first visit, I will review your medical history, perform a thorough physical exam, and discuss your goals. I use advanced imaging to pinpoint the source of your pain and explain all available non-surgical options. My goal is to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, so you can get back to living fully.

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