Is it normal for back pain to increase after the first use of inversion table? should i contunue? desperate to find sciatica relife from bulging disc

Inversion table: Not unusual for mild increase in lbp. Only be on for 5min max. Due up to 5 times a day. Initially may want to do one minute upside down, one minute level alternating until 5 minutes upside down total. Give it a few days. Should be noticing a difference if due to nerve root compression or discogenic pain.

Yes: Sometimes the pain increases with inversion then will decrease but inversion does not work for everyone and it can continue to be painful. Best way to reduce back pain is to be as light as you can (optimal weight) be as fit as you can (high level of fitness with good core muscle strength) and don't smoke. The intermittent use of anti-inflammatory medications will help as well.

It Can: Its a double edge sword. You want to decompress the nerves from the disc and spine pressure, but if you hurt more after doing this it can suggest other issues also going on like spinal stenosis, facet arthropathy, even herniated discs can still aggravate the issues during decompression. Suggest stopping this and see a spine specialist who can direct the right care and treatment for you.