Best Inversion Table For Back Pain
Chiropractic Recommended
If you haven’t previously set foot in a chiropractic office, you may not be familiar with inversion tables. Or perhaps you’ve had adjustments but have not used an inversion table at home. Inversion tables are usually recommended by chiropractors or physical therapists to help decompress the spine for back pain relief. This is a method of spinal traction which is used to increase spinal alignment, decompress discs and joints, and relieve pain.
It is not uncommon for my patients to try inversion therapy and feel a major improvement in their overall symptoms and quality of life. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is helping advise lifestyle choices and products to patients to help them live a fulfilling and pain-free life. I frequently get questions about inversion therapy, who these products are suitable for, and the conditions that an inversion table can help with. So, I thought I would address these questions below, along with my top 3 recommendations for the best inversion tables for low back pain. Here they are 🙂
#1 Best Inversion Table For Sciatica And Lower Back Pain - Teeter Inversion Table
- Best inversion table for lower back pain
- Most popular inversion table among consumers
- Ankle-lock system that is easy-to-reach
- Lumbar bridge & acupressure nodes for pinpointed pain relief
- Features traction handles for assistance and additional decompression
- Ships 80% pre-assembled for ease of use
- Supports up to 300 lbs.
#2 Best Inversion Table For Affordable Back Pain Relief - Innova Inversion Table
- Most affordable inversion table for back pain relief on the market
- Adjustable headrest and footrest to accommodate various heights
- Six position pin system allows you to adjust your angle without dismounting
- Protective cover for pinch prevention
- Ergonomic lumbar support cushion boosts lumbar support and relief from compression
- Supports up to 300 lbs
#3 Best Inversion Table For Heavier People - IRONMAN Inversion Table
- Best inversion table for heavier people
- Non-skid stabilizers to prevent movement during inversion
- Full 180-degree vertical inversion capacity for full stretch
- Ergonomic ankle cushions for premium comfort
- Memory foam vinyl covered backrest for support and cushion
- Supports up to 350 lbs.
What You Need To Know About Inversion Therapy
What Is An Inversion Table?
Like the name suggests, an inversion table is used to invert, or vertically flip you so that your center of gravity is upside down. While you are upside down, gravity pulls on your body in the opposite direction, which helps decompress and pull the spine apart. Inversion tables are often used as a form of spinal traction. This method of decompression helps counter some of the pressure that the muscles, joints, and discs encounter throughout your day-to-day life. It temporarily creates more space between vertebrae taking pressure off of any impinged nerves in the spinal column. It is often used to treat herniated discs, sciatica, pinched nerves, and many other back conditions similar to those listed above.
While studies evaluating spinal traction have not found it effective for long-term relief, it is notably helpful for temporary pressure relief as part of a more comprehensive treatment program for lower back pain or those with bad backs.
Is Spinal Traction For Everyone?
Not exactly – While healthy individuals can also use spinal traction, individuals with chronic low back pain, lumbar disc issues, degenerative joint disease, spinal stenosis, and chronic lumbar muscle spasms can benefit most from using inversion therapy.
As stated, inversion therapy is helpful for many with low back pain, but there are some individuals spinal traction may not be ideal for. When you are inverted for more than a few minutes, your heartbeat slows and blood pressure increases. For those who have high blood pressure, heart disease, or glaucoma, this may not be an ideal treatment. As always, consult with a trusted medical professional when making decisions about your care and treatment.
How Is Inversion Therapy Administered?
Spinal traction therapy can be administered manually or mechanically. The difference between manual and mechanical traction is detailed below, but specifically inversion therapy is a form of mechanical traction. With inversion therapy, this involves fixing yourself onto a table that helps flip you upside down. These tables are often found in chiropractic settings, but can also be purchased and set up for at-home use. Once inverted, you often stay that way for as little as 30 seconds or up to 2-5 minutes at a time. For more information on the length of time one should spend inverted, consult with your doctor.
#1 Best Inversion table For Sciatica And Lower Back Pain - Teeter Fit Spine Inversion Table
It isn’t often that I recommend an entire brand, but Teeter is one of the few exceptions. Their entire line of inversion table models are well-equipped to support you and your spinal health. Coming mostly pre-assembled and featuring easy-to-reach ankle locks, Teeter takes user-friendliness seriously. Their items are also FDA-registered, providing an additional layer of assurance that their equipment is well-made and safe for consumers with back pain.
Moreover, the inversion board features acupressure nodes for trigger-point relief, pinpointing tender, hard-to-reach areas of your back. Each inversion table also offers precision rotation, meaning it is easy to shift your body weight to effortlessly invert and return to the upright position. For that same purpose, their boards feature an EZ-angle tether with preset markings for easy adjustment to your preferred inversion angle.
All in all, Teeter brand inversion tables are a great choice. I highly recommend their inversion tables to all of my chiropractic patients, as they are a high quality, trusted spinal traction therapy unit with a proven record in providing pain relief.
Reviews From Customers Who Purchased The Teeter FitSpine Inversion Table
First Impressions
“I went into this hopeful. I had been getting some relief from lower back pain and sciatic nerve aggravation by having traction performed once a week. Now, with a 1-2 times a day inversion, I notice significantly less discomfort. Waking up without stiffness is an experience I have missed, only I did not know how much. I am about to go on some business travel and I will miss having the opportunity to invert while away.”
Finally! Back Pain Relief
“I purchased the Teeter for my husband who has had several back procedures in the past and has experienced chronic back pain off and on for years. The first few times he used the inversion table, he experienced a few twinges as he got up; HOWEVER, that was only temporary and after using his Teeter faithfully (only about three minutes each) two or three times every day, he has experienced immense back pain relief. He has thanked me several times for getting it for him (it was a surprise) and has repeatedly told me how much better his back is doing! Thank you for your diligence in designing and creating this marvelous inversion table!”
Great Product
“I bought the teeter for my oldest brother. He has lived with back pain for over 3 years. He learned to tolerate the pain over the years. At times I would hear him yell because he got a sharp pain all of a sudden. Every time he walked you could see it in his face that he was in pain. Since the first time he used the teeter I saw a huge difference in his demeanor and we could actually hold a conversation without him grunting. I am very impressed with what is has done for my brother. He thanked me for getting it.”
I am pain free!!!
“All of my back pain disappeared after the second use!! I watched all of the videos and read all of literature. During the second time using the inversion table, after fifteen minutes I felt everything change in my back. I felt a calmness or relaxing slowly over my entire back. After about 6 weeks of twice daily inversion I now felt good enough to jog on my treadmill again for the first time in years (I’m up to 3 miles a day)!!! Seven years of back pain has been wiped away with just the first two uses of your inversion table!!! Nothing short of a miracle for me!! I’ll be on my inversion table twice a day for the rest of my life! Thank you!!!”
#2 Best Inversion Table For Affordable Back Pain Relief - Innova Inversion Table
Another inversion table that I commonly recommend is the Innova. It sits at a more affordable price point than most Teeter brand tables, but does not compromise on quality or pain relief. With its ergonomic lumbar support pad and extended handle for easy reach, it is an ideal model for those with severe back pain.
The Innova model also includes an adjustable headrest and reversible ankle holding system, ensuring the table can accommodate your height and comfort needs. With foam handlebars for easy inversion, this system is optimal for new or experienced inversion therapy users. It also features an ITX9688 “True Balance” System, allowing you to locate your own unique center of gravity. This ensures you will find a slope that is safe and comfortable for you that also provides consistent results. Patients of mine have remarked that they could really feel the stretching and decompression after using this table to help alleviate their back pain.
Ultimately, the versatility and accessibility of this table is why I feel comfortable recommending it to a range of clients. It accommodates users between 4’10” and 6’6” and has a weight capacity of 300 lbs, so you can be sure this equipment is up for the task, no matter who you are.
Detailed Review, Love It!
“So happy I bought it! I have stiff nonflexible vertebrae in my back and neck. I have been doing decompression for months and I think it’s helped, but it’s $$. I asked one doctor and two chiropractors what they thought of tilt tables. All of them like them and had the same advice. Don’t tilt too far in the beginning or advance your tilt too quickly. Start at the lowest setting for 10 minutes two times a day for at least two weeks for upwards of a month then repeat at the next setting. As soon as you get relief at a setting you can stay there. ( they all knew of people who were hospitalized or did permanent damage by inverting themselves at a steep angle without working up to it. They didn’t let their body get used to the inversion process. ) This seemed like good advice. They also mentioned getting a table that has very good foot support so that you do not have to wear shoes and your feet won’t hurt.”
Great table for a great price!
“I purchased this table on a whim hoping it would help my lower back pain and im SO glad i did. I had spine surgery 2 years ago and still have a fracture on a lumbar facet. I started slowly with the degree of inversion and worked my way towards the full degree of inversion over weeks. I could almost immediately feel a difference. Like there was space where there hadn’t been before! I also recently dislocated my knee and once my knee was healed to a point of minimal pain while waiting for surgery i used my table to help. It acted almost like traction in a hospital and felt so good! It helped with swelling post-operatively as well (of course going slow and listening to my body- do your own research and listen to your doctors/surgeons).
I put this table together on my own and it was very easy to assemble. I suggest doing your own research on inverting and work your way up (dont start with the full incline and hang for 20 min kind of thing). Ive recommended this to many people i know with chronic back pain, its helped me tremendously.”
#3 Best Inversion Table For Heavier People - IRONMAN Inversion Table
IRONMAN is another trusted manufacturer of inversion tables. You may have heard of them from their gym equipment, but they also make high quality equipment for therapies such as spinal traction or inversion therapy. My chosen IRONMAN table is the Gravity. Patients frequently report outstanding results and improvements in their pain level.
As the namesake suggests, the IRONMAN inversion table is one of the more heavy-duty options on the market, as it holds up to a higher weight capacity (max. 350 lbs). Its sturdy frame and non-skid base ensure that users will not budge while inverting. The Gravity also has foam covered safety handles so you can easily return to the upright position. Additionally, it has a removable lumbar pillow so you can customize your pain relief in a manner that best suits you. Best of all, you won’t have to worry about bulky or unsightly equipment. It folds for convenient storage.
Overall, this table offers great capacity and a sturdy frame for all users, but it is particularly good for individuals with back pain who are in the 300-350 lb range. As stated, it is sturdy and somewhat heavy, so be mindful of your back pain as you move and assemble the equipment!
Bye Bye Back Pain
“Fantastic product. Very sturdy and comfortable. I have a herniated disc, and the inversion table brings immediate relief and seems to also be contributing to my overall recovery. I find inverting also creates a sense of calm and relieves anxiety. One thing to be aware of: If you are using the machine on your own, you do have to bend forward to clip your feet in, so if you are not able to fold forward (as was the case with me when I first got my machine), you’ll have to ask someone else to help you. Within a week, I was able to bend forward again without pain, so it wasn’t a huge issue. Also, putting it together would not be possible with back pain. My husband was able to assemble in under an hour. UPDATE: I no longer need the machine! Combined with seeing a skilled osteopath, I have completely recovered from the herniated disc without the surgery the doctor deemed necessary. Since then, I lent to a friend with back pain and she was fine after using the table for a month while seeing a physiotherapist. I highly recommend!”
Rarely Used
“Don’t stop reading, it’s not what you think!!! My bad back told me that the chiropractor and the doctors were not helping, so I had better try something else. Enter the Gravity 4000…….It’s kind of scary the first few times, but even at a gentle inversion (it’s infinitely adjustable) I felt my spine stretch….crunch….Ooo, that was nice. I righted myself too quickly, which made me light headed for a few seconds, but when I stepped out of the machine there was no pain. Upon daily use for 3 or 4 days, I went 3 or 4 days with no pain. On the machine at a steeper inversion for about 10 minutes (it gets a bit uncomfortable for me after that amount to time) I slowly righted myself, and again….NO PAIN!! As I write this review, I haven’t needed to use the table for probably a month. A waste of money? No way!! A tried and true, no drug, fix for my back if and when I need it is priceless to me. If there was a negative to this machine it might be that it’s fairly heavy. That being said, I’m pushing 280 and surely don’t want something that’s going to fold under me.”
FAQ's
For therapy using an inversion table, you will lie back on what looks like a lounge chair. Once you are secured in place, often by a strap, you will lean back at an angle and flip upside down, hanging that way for several minutes.
As you are upside down, you can expect to feel your heart rate slow and pressure moving into your head, given your heart is now upside down as well. As your spine continues to stretch and gravity pulls down on you, pressure may release from your low back muscles and vertebrae. This temporary elongation and rearrangement of your spine is meant to reduce compression on joints and relieve pain associated with the tension or misalignment in your spine.
When returning upright, you should do so slowly and cautiously. Given traction reduces compression, your spine will likely feel different and be prone to discomfort. Returning upright slowly allows you to adjust without unintentionally injuring yourself. To that end, spinal traction is known to cause muscle spasms. Most doctors are prepared for this to happen during or after therapy and help remediate the discomfort accordingly.
Overall, you will likely feel relief for a short period after the treatment, though long-term relief from inversion alone should not be expected. It is best to work with a chiropractic health professional to develop a comprehensive routine and treatment program to relieve your pain.
Manual traction is a technique that involves pulling on the neck or legs to create a traction force. In this instance, patients are lying down on their back and have their vertebrae and muscles pulled and manipulated by a trained professional.
With mechanical spinal traction, a machine is involved to perform traction to patients’ necks. Generally, patients lie on their back with their head and neck secure and the machine is used to facilitate the traction force on their neck. Other methods, such as inversion therapy, also use equipment to help the user tip upside down and stretch their spine.
Spinal traction and alignment achieved via inversion therapy can decrease back pain and improve your mobility. Common results from using inversion therapy include:
- Temporary pain relief for lower back, sciatic pain, disc pain, etc.
- Improved spinal alignment and range of motion
- Decompressed discs and joints and relief from pressure
- Have someone watch you who can help get you back up if needed.
- Don’t lean back all the way if you are inverting alone – you can tip back as little as 10-30 degrees and experience positive results.
- Buckle up – be sure to use safety straps or harnesses that are included so you don’t slip off
- Practice inversion in short spans. To start, try inverting for 1 or 2 minutes a day to see how you feel and scale up as needed, but limit your sessions to 5 minutes twice a day.
- Tip up slowly to prevent further injury. Returning to upright too quickly can trigger muscle spasms or disk pain.
As a rule of thumb, be sure to consult with your chiropractor prior to using an inversion table to be sure that it is safe for you. If spinal traction/inversion therapy are suitable for you, you may benefit from using one of the options listed below.
Now that we’ve covered the benefits of inversion tables for traction therapy, let’s dive into the options that are on the market. In my work as a chiropractor, I’ve seen many inversion tables and know that they are not one in the same. For that reason, I want to share what I know so my patients can avoid purchasing an option that does not help them achieve the pain-free life and spinal alignment they desire.
When you are looking to purchase an inversion table for your therapies, search no further than this guide. Below, I’ve pinpointed several inversion tables that I recommend and the features that make them stand out.
Summary
Incorporating inversion therapy along with your regular chiropractic regimen may create improvements to your lower back condition. Using one of these tables, you may experience a notable difference within only a few uses. Though inversion therapy isn’t necessarily for everyone, the firsthand benefits to my back pain patients and the quality of these options are why I consider them a reliable tool in my practice. Would inversion therapy be a good fit for you? Consider investing in one of the options above to assist in your back pain relief.