While it’s not for everyone, I’ve definitely seen a lot of people improve their lower back pain with an inversion table.
And the medical literature seems to back this up.
The FDA has also approved a number of inversion machines, which gives merit to the treatment.
So if you’ve tried other things, I’d definitively recommend giving this alternative treatment a go.
Of course consult with your physician if you have any health issues.
To make sure you choose a suitable inversion table, here are my recommended products on the market.
Favorite Inversion Table
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The Ironman Gravity 4000 is among the highest weight capacity inversion tables on the market right now.
It can support up to 350 lbs of weight with ease while also offering superb comfort. It is equipped with a foldable and waterproof PVC mat, vinyl safety covers, and soft cushions that make it very pleasant to use.
It is easily foldable too, so it can be stored without much hassle despite its large size.
What are customers saying?
Some customers are annoyed that the height adjustment on the Ironman Gravity 4000 isn’t as well-adjusted as it is with other inversion tables. However, in terms of the quality of the construction and the design, almost everyone agrees that this is a top-notch model.
Pros:
- A very sturdy and powerful construction
- Great dimensions of 79” length and 35.4” width
- Extra-soft handles
Cons:
- The height adjustment doesn’t seem to be accurate as you have to add ~4 inches to your own height
Best Inversion Table With Heat & Massage
Innova ITM5900 Advanced Inversion Therapy Table
- 2-way adjustment system
- Multi-mode heat and massage settings
- Vertical spine massage pad
The Innova ITM5900 therapy table is a great tool for most people with back pain. Not only is it an expertly made inversion table but the additional spinal massage functions help a lot for pain relief.
The heating function is not vital but it’s a nice little addition to have. The table itself is also well-made and has comfortable cushions and adjustable headrest and height settings.
The assembly is easy enough for a single person even if it can take a bit of time.
What are customers saying?
Most customers are very satisfied with this inversion table, despite a few complaints about the design not being as comfortable as some other tables. The heat and massage functions are great benefits in the eyes of almost anyone as they create entire new uses to this product.
Pros:
- The massage functions are great for back pain
- The heat setting is a very nice complimentary benefit
- The adjustable headrest and height make this an easy device to use
Cons:
- It’s rather uncomfortable to get into the table, especially if you’re a shorter person
Most Comfortable For Ankles
Exerpeutic Inversion Table With Ankle Holders
- Adjustable rear cross bar with 3 angle positions
- Airsoft ankle holder
- Removable lumbar pillow
The Exerpeutic inversion table has a great design, it’s easy to use, and it offers excellent lower back support and pain relief.
The ankle holders are very comfortable to use and make the entire inversion experience even more comfortable. The adjustable rear cross bar system also eliminates the need for strapping during the inversion.
If you’re looking for an inversion table that doesn’t strain your ankles the way so many others do, this is a great option.
What are customers saying?
A few customers seem to be having problems with unlocking the ankle holders but almost everyone seems very satisfied with this inversion table.
Pros:
- Simple and effective design for back pain
- Very soft and comfortable ankle holder
- The lumbar pillow is great for people who need lower back support
Cons:
- Releasing the ankle locks can be painful for a person with back pain
How Does Inversion Therapy Work?
Inversion tables work on a very simple but effective principle – they reduce the stress on you back and stretch you so that your spine can decompose.
The relief on your spine reduces the pain it feels and also allows it to heal more effectively.
Of course, just inversion therapy isn’t enough for proper healing as it doesn’t build back muscles, so an effective exercise habit will still be necessary for that.
Benefits Of Inversion Tables
Inversion tables have a myriad of smaller or more major benefits to your overall back health. They can:
- Relieve chronic lower back pain
- Relieve other non-specific back pain
- Help with Sciatica pain
- Reduce the effects and pain of a degenerative disc disease
- Relieve muscle tension and spasms
By utilizing an inversion table you can improve your overall back health, save yourself the use of pain killers, reduce stress, and increase your overall mobility.
Other Recommended Inversion Tables
Teeter EP-560 Ltd Table
- FDA cleared
- Wrap-around ankle cups
- Heavy-gauge steel materials
The Teeter EP-560 is a FDA cleared inversion table as Teeter tables are the only ones to have such clearance on the market right now.
It is great for back pain, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, facet syndrome, and more. It has very comfortable ankle support and handy grips on the bed for additional stability.
The table itself is made out of high-quality heavy-gauge steel for extra sturdiness.
Health Gear ITM5500 Advanced Inversion Table
- 4” thick memory foam backrest
- Vibrating and heating removable massage pad
- Extra-long locking arm
This is another great option for those that want massage and heating functions on their inversion table.
The memory foam backrest is exceptionally comfortable to lay on, and the massage + heating pad is both removable and very effective.
The locking arm on this inversion table is designed to be extra long which is great as it minimizes the amount of bending you’ll need to do on the table.
Teeter FitSpine LX9 Inversion Table
- 8-point floating suspension system
- Adjustable lumbar bridge
- Precision arm rotation system
The FitSpine LX9 model from Teeter boasts their signature design style with a few noticeable additions. It has a vey easy to reach ankle lock so that you don’t need to bend over.
It also has a precisions rotation control, allowing you to control the inversion angle of the table with just a movement of your arm. The table comes with a 5-year warranty and is FDA cleared.
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For a more heavy duty option, the Bigzzia Gravity inversion table can take up to 300 lbs of weight thanks to its reinforced steel frame.
It also has a 3 angle position adjustable rear cross bar for easier control that eliminated the need of a strap system.
With its precision rotation, this table also allows you to control the inversion with just a movement of your arm.
Health Mark IV18600 Pro Inversion Therapy Chair
- 70% maximum inversion angle
- Adjustable angle belt
- Comfortable padded bench
The Health Mark IV8600 inversion chair is a great alternative to the tables in this list. It’s very comfortable to use thanks to its soft padding, and the chair design reduces the stress on your ankles.
The chair has a capacity of up to 300 lbs of weight thanks to its heavy-gauge tubular steel construction and has an adjustable safety belt for extra safety.
Inversion Tables & Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is increasingly common nowadays thanks to the great amount of time most of us spend sitting.
By allowing your lower spine to decompress, a good inversion table gives your lower back what it desperately needs – a time out.
Inversion is essentially the exact opposite of sitting as far as your lower back is concerned.
So, several sessions on an inversion table per day can be of great benefit to anyone who spends a lot of time sitting.
Inversion Tables For Sciatica Pain
Sciatica pain is another very common problem nowadays, due to frequent and prolonged sitting sessions.
Sciatica pain isn’t a condition in and of itself, however – it’s just the type of pain the occurs when the sciatica nerve gets damaged as a result of degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, fractures, tumors, slipped or herniated spinal discs, muscular issues, or other problems.
When this nerve gets damaged, you can feel pain, numbness, or tingling in the back of your legs as this is where the nerve goes from your spine.
A preliminary study done researchers from the Newcastle University in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK, concludes that inversion therapy is very effective for sciatica pain as it is for other lower back pain problems.
This is, according to the researchers, thanks to the relief the inversion gives the spine.
The researchers conducted experiments on two groups of patients: one with physiotherapy and inversion tables and another one with just physiotherapy.
The results of the study concluded that the patients who also used an inversion therapy table were 70.5% less likely to require surgery for their conditions.
Conclusion
As you can see, inversion tables are both effective and comfortable solution to back pain and the various conditions that cause it.
Of course, choosing the right table for your needs is vital but we hope our list has helped you with that.
