If you’re suffering from chronic back pain, you’ve probably already tried over 5 types of treatments.
But have you tired spinal decompression therapy?
Back pain has many obscure causes, some of which include bad posture, spinal misalignments, and compressed spinal nerves.
Spinal decompression machines are popular for herniated discs, but they also relieve back pain due to muscle tension and other causes.
- Best Inversion Table: Teeter FitSpine X3 Inversion Table
- Second Favorite: Harison Heavy Duty Inversion Table
- With Extension Machine: Teeter Dex II Decompression & Extension Machine
- Preferred Inversion Bench: Sunny Health & Fitness Invert Extend Back Stretcher
- Best Wall Stretcher: Sit and Decompress - The Ultimate Back Stretcher
In this review, I’ll recommend 12 spinal decompression devices that you can use conveniently in your home.
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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Best Inversion Table |
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Second Favorite |
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With Extension Machine |
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Preferred Inversion Bench |
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Best Wall Stretcher |
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Best Inversion Table
Teeter FitSpine X3 Inversion Table
- Extra-long, made with stainless steel with lock handles for more security.
- Traction handles and stretch assistance for your back.
- It features an inclination of 20, 60 degrees, or a full inversio
- The inversion table rotates and moves to respond to the movements of your arms.
- Ergonomic and comfortable wrap around your ankles.
- 5-year full warranty and easy assembly.
- It comes with a DVD with instructions and a mobile app.
The Teeter FitSpine Inversion Table is made to decompress the vertebrae through controlled inversions of your body.
It has a floating suspension system that is very easy to use and holds your weight comfortably by locking your ankles with a comfortable wrap.
Features and size
This model comes with a lumbar bridge you can place in the lumbar area if you want to achieve deeper traction.
It also has removable acupressure nodes to activate your trigger points and reduce muscle tension.
The device cleared by the FDA and has a weight limit of 300 lbs.
What customers are saying
The majority of users feel happy about having full control of the device and feeling their lower back pain improve after daily use.
Judging by the reviews of those happy customers, you’re unlikely to want to return this inversion table. Still, if it does not work for you, there’s a 30-day return policy you can use.
What we like
- It is comfortable to use, secure, and easily assembled.
- You have full control of the inclination angle, even in full inversion.
What we dislike
- The price may feel expensive if you’re on a budget.
Second Favorite Table
Harison Heavy Duty Inversion Table
- Safe inversion with two protection stoppers hand soft-grip handles.
- Backrest with high-quality memory foam.
- Made with heavy-duty materials.
- It comes with a safety belt, protective pedals, and foot cover to secure your ankles.
- Features an adjustable back stretcher, and you can choose your vertical inversion degrees.
- 12-months free replacements and 30-day return policy.
The Harison Inversion Table is another alternative that does the work almost seamlessly.
You can adjust the machine to achieve a flat inversion, a very slight inversion, or up to 60- or 180-degree inversions.
Recommended use
For your safety, the manufacturers recommend using the device for a few weeks up to a month before progressing to the next level of inversion.
Similar to other inversion tables, it has adjustable height, but this one controls your level of inversion with a pin you can select and lock before using the device.
What customers are saying
One of the main concerns is whether or not the backrest feels comfortable, and most users feel satisfied. The inverted position works smoothly, and the machine is sturdy and safe.
The majority of users are very satisfied and report it is effective and easy to assemble.
However, note that it is often advertised to have a weight limit of 300 to 350 lbs but the manual states the maximum capacity is only 220 lbs.
What we like
- Special attention to safety with handles, straps, and knee braces to hold you.
- It does the work and supports up to 180-degree inversions.
What we dislike
- It is not easily maneuverable and the ankle holding mechanism may not feel very comfortable for some users.
Best Decompression Device
Teeter Dex II Decompression & Extension Machine
- Similar to a roman chair, but featuring hip-supported inversions.
- Adjustable height and rollers made to hold your legs in an inverted position.
- Rubber-coated handles to assist you when inverting your body and returning to the starting position,
- Multi-purpose grips you can use for push-ups and dips,
- Maximum capacity of 300 lbs.
- 5-year full warranty.
The Dex II decompression device does not require any ankle holding, and it may feel more secure for some.
Instead of hanging from your ankles, you will keep your hips horizontal and only invert your upper body.
Multi-purpose
As a multi-purpose machine, it can also be used for core strengthening exercises such as push-ups and dips.
It has a very sturdy design with a steel base and rubber stability feet to protect your floor.
What customers are saying
This decompression device is a safe bet if you feel insecure with inversion tables. You will feel more in control because it is actually similar to a hyperextension bench.
Knowing this, most customers are happy about the results and the main complaints have to do with some wobbliness and the feeling of pressure in your hips while inverting the upper body.
What we like
- It feels more secure for people who are hesitant about inversion tables.
- It is multi-purpose and can be used for core-strengthening, too.
What we dislike
- The inversion does not feel the same and can be a bit uncomfortable on the hips.
Preferred Inversion Bench
Sunny Health & Fitness Invert Extend Back Stretcher
- 3 length settings with multi-stretch functions that decompress your spine.
- 4 height settings and supporting rollers for your
- 3 different inversion degrees (12º, 16º, and 2º).
- Maximum weight of 350 lbs.
- It has two handlebars to help you get in position.
This model looks similar to abdominal crunch machines but has features that decompress your spine and provide adjustable inversion degrees.
Features
One of the most interesting features is the stretching tool, which you can activate after lying down on the backrest with both arms to either side.
It would create a stretch on your spine and help you decompress the vertebrae.
Another interesting feature in this model is that you can actually fold it for storage and use it for abdominals and other core-strengthening exercises.
What customers are saying
Reviews of this particular bench are varied. We have users who are completely satisfied with the device and the results.
Some would say it’s excellent but a bit difficult to get back up from a lying position, and it might not be adequate for very tall people (6” and up).
What we like
- The decompression tool is very easy to use and a very attractive feature.
- It is easy to use for spinal decompression and core-strengthening exercises.
What we dislike
- It is not adequate for people 6” and up.
Best Wall Decompression Stretcher
Sit and Decompress - The Ultimate Back Stretcher
- 5-minute setup and 3-minute treatments to improve your back pain symptoms.
- Made in the USA with 60-day return policy.
- Fits on your doorway and is easy to use.
Sit and Decompress therapies are as simple as placing the device on your doorway, adjusting the straps to your body, and letting gravity do the work.
This is not an inversion device and will not offer any inversion angle. You will be standing or sitting as the decompression takes place.
It is a useful type of stretch that will make a difference if you persevere and use the device daily for a few weeks.
What customers are saying
Some people may notice a difference upon their first use and others report they needed a few weeks before noting a change in their back pain symptoms.
This is a great option if you can’t actually use an inversion table or bench due to medical problems such as cardiovascular disease and certain joint problems and injuries.
It holds up to 250 lbs and even though it looks simple, it can be effective depending on the cause of your pain. However, the strapping can be tedious and may sometimes irritate your skin.
What we like
- It is a decompression device you can use when inversion tables are contraindicated.
- It is simple, easy to assemble, portable, and easy to store.
What we dislike
- The straps can be pretty uncomfortable under your armpits, especially if you’re heavy.
Back Traction Types
As you can see above, there are many types of back traction devices. Each one of them is adapted to a given situation or patient.
Inversion Machines
In this type of device, you can lie down and then change the inclination angle to experience inversion.
It is not recommended if you have cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, glaucoma, and retinal detachment.
Portable Back Traction Devices
These devices are more compact and you can carry them anywhere you go.
They are usually fixed on doors and come with harnesses you attach to your body. Then, you can lay hanging to stretch gently.
Non Inversion Back Traction
For people who can’t use inversion due to medical problems, there are inversion benches and other alternatives that provide traction and decompression without inverting.
Their designs vary depending on the model.
Back Stretchers
These devices are recommended if you suffer from episodic back pain due to posture problems.
They help you align your spine and sometimes provide an additional source of heating or vibration
Gravity Boots
This is an alternative type of inversion, recommended for more athletic users who have already tried inversions before.
The boots let you hang upside down from the ankles instead of experiencing inversions lying down.
What Is Inversion Therapy
Inversion therapy is based on staying suspended upside down for a few minutes to decompress the spine and relieve back pain.
Gravity is the main pull that provides traction and improves various conditions such as:
- Sciatica.
- Scoliosis.
- Chronic lower back pain.
- Poor circulation.
What the research says
According to research, this therapy effectively reduces back pain after using 3-minute sessions at 60 degrees and other angles. It may also increase strength and flexibility.
More recently, this technique has been tested to effectively prevent disability and reduce the need for surgery in patients with severe lumbar disease.
Still, the results of these clinical trials should be interpreted with care because each patient may have a different cause of back pain with varying intensity and severity.
Other Recommended Traction Devices
Health Mark Pro Inversion Therapy Chair
This chair is an interesting option if you want to try inversion therapy but feel more secure sitting instead of lying down.
You can adjust the inversion angle and has nonslip feet support.
Lower Back Stretcher Massager With Heat
This stretcher is an alternative to the one featured above but targets mainly the lower back area.
It works fantastic if you only have lower back pain, and offers vibration massage additional to the heating therapy.
Posture Pump® Dual Deluxe Full Spine
Sometimes it’s not only the back that hurts but also the neck area.
That’s why this posture pump was invented, it relieves neck and upper back pain through a decompression technology that uses pumps to expand your neck and upper back.
Teeter EZ Up Inversion & Chin-Up System With Rack
If you’re familiar with the inversion experience and want to take it to the next level, you can do it with these inversion boots.
The platform fits in any doorway from 28’’ to 36’’ wide, and the boots fasten in your legs and let you experience a full vertical inversion without any backrests.
Stamina Inline Back Stretch Bench
This model works very well on your cervical spine, and you can use it to decompress and stretch your back and neck.
It has a head support strap and a traction device that is effective and very easy to use.