Are you on a quest to find the best inversion tables for back pain?
Then you’re in the right place. Because I have done the hard work for you and have reviewed dozens of models.
In addition, I will introduce the following related topics.
- Product Details (Including advantages and disadvantages)
- Study of Inversion Therapy
- Benefits of Inversion Therapy
- Inversion Tables for Back Pain Buyer’s Guide
- The Risks of Inversion Therapy
- Inversion 101: Some Exercises for Inversion Beginners
…
Without further ado, let’s begin!
Walking upright, which is something that many of us do every single day is an engineering miracle according to some people. However, the downside to all the mobility is the extra stress on the spine, back, and neck. If the natural cushioning found between the vertebrae is compressed, it usually results in pinched nerves, back pain, and impaired mobility. Therapeutic massage, professional spinal decompression, and chiropractic care are some of the popular avenues sufferer use to seek relief. However, such treatments are expensive and often have temporary results.
The spine is an important part of the body that gravity influences the most. The discs that rest between the spinal vertebrae are always under pressure due to gravity pulling down on the spine. At the point when the vertebrae are pulled down by gravity, the vertebrae force some of the liquid in the discs to spill out resulting in a bulging disc. The bulging or swollen discs are a typical condition usually associated with old age but can happen to persons of all ages because of weak bone structure or strenuous work. Protruding discs are not usually painful, but if the space between the discs is excessively limited, the pressure on the nerves results in intermittent pain from the lower back area. Inversion Tables are very effective in reducing spinal compression.
Lower Back Pain (LBP) is one of the leading reasons why people visit physicians and one of the most common reasons for work absenteeism. It is usually a result of sitting for extended periods, poor sitting posture, bending down frequently, or lifting heavy objects and can lead to several health related complications such as inhibited mobility and bulging discs.
If a company puts cost cutting measures during the manufacturing process into effect, the measures are guaranteed to affect the structural integrity of the product and by extension the safety of the user. A low quality inversion table is also likely to break down faster and not last for as long as it should, which makes it not such a wise investment.
However, low price does not necessarily mean poor quality in some cases.
Study of Inversion Therapy
One study involved 47 people experiencing chronic low back pain and inversion therapy. The participants practiced inversion therapy in 3-minutes sets at various angles. According to the study, inversion therapy at 60 degrees lowered back pain after 8 weeks and even improved torso strength and flexibility.
Avoid simply covering up the symptoms by targeting the source of the ache. Millions of people in a situation similar to yours have been helped by Teeter to find natural relief in the convenience of their homes, which just takes a few minutes every day.
A study done in 2014 suggests that compression can be reduced through the zero-gravity nature of compression. The study’s authors noted that inversion therapy has the potential to prevent disability caused by back problems. This can reduce the need for surgery of the spine. According to a study done in 2012 by Disability and Rehabilitation, people with lumbar disease and who used inversion therapy reduced their need for surgery six weeks after using it. A study done by the Newcastle University in the UK in 2007 that involved a group of people suffering from sciatica proved that inversion therapy has the potential to lower the need for surgery by as much as 78 percent.
A randomized controlled study was undertaken by Mastercare with Lars G Josefsson and Lennart Dimberg as its publishers. The study duration was 12 months while the sample size was 116 people. The participants were split into 2 training groups and a controlled group:
- Group 1: 10 Minute inversion, Once Daily
- Group 2: 10 Minute Inversion, Twice Daily
- Group 3: Control Group, No Inversion
People in Groups 1 and 2 had a reduced number of sick days due to back pain by 33 percent after 12 months.
The Benefits of Inversion Therapy
- Reducing Inflammation
- Removal of Waste from the Spine
- Creation of More Protective Fluid Around the Spinal Discs
- Reduced Need for Surgery
- Increased Circulation of Blood through Surrounding Muscles
- Inverted Exercises Help to Build a Stronger Core, which is Critical to Back Health
- Improves Functional Fitness for a Healthy, Active Lifestyle
- Strengthens, Decompresses, and Enhances Shock Absorption
- Relaxing Tension in the Back, Neck, and Shoulders
- Relaxing Muscles, Rehydrating Discs, and Reducing Pressure
- It is due to these reasons that inversion therapy may be of great benefit for people experiencing:
- Neck and Shoulder Pain
- Upper or Middle Back Pain
- Lower Back Pain
- Sciatica
- Hip Pain
- Nerve Pain in the Spine or Back
- Slipped Disc/Herniated Disc
- Degenerated Discs
and more….
Comparison Table – Best Inversion Tables for Back Pain
If you are like most people, you are probably finding it hard to choose the best inversion table for you considering the numerous models and brands available. You have probably grown tired of reading promotional material trying to endorse what they consider the best option. In addition, all products claim to be the best. Research is important and buyers should acquire information on several products before choosing one that will be most suitable for their needs. Every back is unique. This is why this guide provides a comprehensive list of the best solutions. Recommended here ate 5 all-time favorite models of inversion tables along with all their features that help you enjoy relief from your back pain and ensure that the rest of your body stays happy too.
Best Inversion Tables for Back Pain
- Exerpeutic Inversion Table with Comfort Foam Backrest
- Innova ITX9600 Heavy Duty Inversion Therapy Table
- Teeter Hang Ups EP 960 Inversion Table
- IRONMAN Fitness Gravity 4000 Highest Weight Capacity Inversion Table
- Health Mark Pro Max Inversion Therapy Table
1. Exerpeutic Inversion Table with Comfort Foam Backrest – Best Budget Inversion Table
- Sturdy, multi-angle, user-height adjustable inversion table with soft...
- Heavy duty 1.5-inch square steel frame with 300-pound weight capacity....
- Extra-long, full loop safety handle bars and adjustable tether strap...
- Foam rollers and ankle cushions hold ankles safely and comfortably;...
- Height adjustable for users from 4 feet, 10 inches to 6 feet, 6 inches...
The Exerpeutic stands out among all the inversion tables in the market due to its impressive features and affordable price. With just a simple frame, the inversion table is capable of handling as much as 300 pounds in weight. It is a very flexible inversion table since it has an adjustable height. You can use the inversion table comfortably irrespective of your height as long as it is still in the allowable range. It has a pull pin system, which makes it more convenient. Foam rollers and ankle cushions help to hold up your ankles safely and comfortably. Full-loop safety, flexible, adjustable tether strap, and ultra-long handlebars allow users to invert then return safely to the starting position at any time. It is made of a heavy-duty steel frame and a power-coated finish and helps you perform inversion therapy safely and comfortably.
- The Ankle Supports and Release Are Easily Adjustable
- Enhanced Safety Thanks to Completed Length Handles
- Supports a Wide Range of Heights
- An Appealing Option at an Affordable Price
- You Need Additional Ankle Cushioning or a Towel When Using
- You Need a Stronger Tether Strap for Enhanced Safety
2. Innova ITX9600 Heavy Duty Inversion Therapy Table – Editors’ Choice & Best Seller
- Adjustable headrest pad with large and comfortable padded backrest.
- Six (6) position Adjustable pin system with added Patent Pending...
- True Balance system for easy inverting with ergonomically & reversible...
- Adjustable headrest pad with large and comfortable padded backrest
- Accommodates users 4ft-10in to 6ft-6in with a 300 lbs. weight capacity
If you are searching for the best inversion table for your budget, the ITX9600 is for you. It is quite a popular product in the marketplace. Why does everyone love the table? The stability, simplicity, and price. You are guaranteed to feel safe when using it. It has an easily adjustable headrest cushion with a comfortable and cushioned backrest to help relieve your pain faster and help you feel comfortable. It has a 5-position-side-investable pin, which is easily adjustable as a replacement for the strap, which helps ensure a more consistent, safe, and comfortable position of inversion each time. The New cover, which is Patent Pending, helps to protect the ITX9600 and promote its durability too. A wonderful balance system for easy inversion as well as an ergonomically sound ankle holding system.
- Very Compact Folding Design
- Very Stable and Sturdy Frame
- Very Reasonably Priced
- Easy Assembly and Disassembly
- Easy Height Adjustment
- No Locking Pin for Folding Up
- The Toolkit Supplied is Rather Basic
However, the ITX9600 can still be laid flat on the ground or leaned against a wall without any issues.
3. Teeter Hang Ups EP 960 Inversion Table – Editors’ Choice & Professional’s Choice
- Gender Unisex Type Inversion Tables Dimensions 84L x 28.8W x 86H in....
The Teeter Hang Up is known to be the pioneer of inversion table and is a highly customizable inversion table. It provides maximum safety, comfort, durability and quality for a superior inversion experience. Its innovative design and precise balancing eases pain and targets different pressure points in the back. It is easy to use thanks to the extended handles and grips as well as the secure lock mechanism. It even gives you complete control over the angles for smoother therapy sessions. The EP 960 provides you with the following patented features for a highly precise inversion therapy experience.
- Easy Usage and Storage
- Offers a Wide Range of Control
- Customizable and Durable Bed Surface
- Scratch Resistant and Durable
- Patented and Unique Features
- Ankle Clamps Could Be More Comfortable
- With the Unique Features the EP 960 is a Bit Highly Priced but You Will Be Paying for Quality
4. IRONMAN Fitness Gravity 4000 Highest Weight Capacity Inversion Table – Best Inversion Table Under $300
- Sturdy inversion table that may help reducing back stress and...
- Removable lumbar pillow provides extra comfort for lower back support...
- Tough rubber non-skid floor stabilizers. Inverts up to 90 degrees; It...
- Assembled Dimensions: 49"L x 26"W x 65"H | Folded Dimensions: 80"H x...
- Weight Capacity - Supports up to 350 pounds
The IRONMAN Fitness Gravity 4000 is one of the most popular inversion tables in the market. It comes from a brand famous for its comfort and efficiency. The Gravity 4000 is specially built to support a maximum weight of 350 pounds. It is very helpful for heavy users that would like to try inversion therapy. It is also highly flexible and offers other amazing features.
It uses an older style vinyl covered foam bed. Once your body is inverted you will start sinking into the foam. Due to all this, you will not suffer the sliding effect of a plastic bed and you might have to invert at a higher angle if you wish to enjoy the full stretching benefit of inversion. The bed features a great lumbar attachment but this depends on the user. It is highly appreciated that it is included as opposed to being an add-on.
The IRONMAN 4000 is a great option for you if you are suffering from back pain since it relieves pressure on the ligaments, discs, and vertebrae. It also helps reduce fatigue and stress to the whole body, promotes blood circulation, and reduces the effects of aging due to gravity and increases flexibility to enhance athletic performance.
The IRONMAN 4000 even has a removable lumbar pillow that provides additional support if you need it.
- It is Affordably Priced
- The Extended Safety Handles Makes It Easy to Control the Inversion Angles
- Removable Lumbar Pillows
- Easy Storage Once Folded
- Quick, Easy Assembly
- Unique Pivot Design for Non-Squeak Rotation
- Quite Bulky When Folded Up for Storage
- Lacks a Method for Setting Angles. The Major Drawback is That it Does Not Have features to Optimize Convenience in Setting Angles
- Quite Heavy and Not Easy to Move Around since it Weighs 75 Pounds. However, this makes it Very Stable and Sturdy
5. Health Mark Pro Max Inversion Therapy Table – User Weight of Up to 600 Lbs
- Inversion therapy table designed to help simulate blood flow
- Relaxes back, decompresses spine, and improves posture
- Works in traditional "face-up" or inverted "face-down" position
- 5 preset angles; 25 total height settings; supports up to 600 pounds
- Measures 28 x 58 x 45 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty
The Health Mark Pro Inversion Table is another popular inversion table on the market. Besides the traditional face-up position, this inversion table allows inverted positions for maximum flexibility and can even be used for inverted massage therapy. It has a padded surface that provides maximum comfort. It has a heavy steel frame capable of supporting as much as 600 pounds and can accommodate a wide range of heights from 4 feet to 6 feet.
The inversion table has a safety strap to enhance safety that allows you to control the inversion angles efficiently. It weighs about 90 pounds and comes with locking wheels that allow for easy storage and mobility. It even comes with a detailed user guide for easier assembly.
- Sturdy and Quality Construction (Supports up to 600 Pounds)
- Maximum Flexibility (Inverts to a complete 90-degree lockout)
- Massage Quality Backrest and Headrest
- Excellent for Ab Workouts and Back Exercises
- It is Not Foldable. One drawback of the Health Mark Pro is that it is not foldable to allow for easier storage. However, it has wheels that allow for easier movement.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Inversion Table for Back Pain
Think about your body
It is important to note that inversion therapy is not safe for everyone and this does not always provide lasting back pain relief. Inversion therapy requires you to hand upside down and this position can be risky for people who have high blood pressure, glaucoma and heart disease. It is also important to note that the cause of back problems can be complex. Inversion therapy does not guarantee you will not need surgery and it is best that you talk to your doctor before you try any forms of inversion therapy or treatment.
Consider your budget
Buying an inversion table can be a very stressful experience and this is worse for people who are very budget conscious. The mid-range inversion tables can cost between $300 and $500. There are less expensive options available which offer some basic spinal traction, but they will not be as easy to customize as the more expensive options.
If you are unable to afford one of the mid-range inversion tables, you should consider investing in an inversion sling. These are fabric slings which can be used for inversion and a number of yoga stretches. These are more affordable and you can get a yoga slung for less than $100. If you are a back pain sufferer who has a very tight budget, these are the best option for you.
Inversion Table Terminology
Gravity boots can be used as an inversion device on their own. They can also be used as an attachment for some of the hang-up inversion tables on the market.
The braking gear is one of the ways that inversion can be restricted. This will offer you more control than a safety tether cord. This restriction control is used on a number of table models and will allow you to lock and release an adjustable boom. You can do this without standing up from the table and reach your required angle. This control is best for people who want an inversion table which can also be used for abdominal workouts.
Acupressure nodes are an accessory that you get with some inversion tables. These nodes allow for a shiatsu style massage through the pin-point placement when you are inverted.
Gravitational traction is the term which is used to describe the suspension that forms the overall basis of inversion therapy. This term is often used to describe the suspension used to widen the intervertebral space used for people who suffer from lumbar disc herniation and disk degeneration.
There are many inversion tables that have adjustable starting positions and these tables are likely to be fitted with roller hinges. The hinges will be placed on either side of the back support and will be used to influence the distribution of weight. This will make the inversion process much easier or more difficult depending on where the hinges have been placed.
What You Should Be Looking for in an Inversion Table
When you look at inversion tables, there are some key factors that you have to consider before you purchase. These factors will determine whether or not you should be using the table and how well they will work for you.
Safety – The first factor is safety. You need to ensure that the table you are going to buy is well-built, sturdy and has a high enough weight limit. This ensures that the table is able to properly support you while you are using it.
Weight Capacity – The weight capacity also needs to be checked in the store or online before you buy the table. This is important because you need to have a table that is able to support your full body weight while you hang. You should always check the capacity of the fasteners, ankle clamps and bar. If the ankle devices do not appear solid, you could suffer from pain while fully inverted.
Backboard – The backboard of the table also needs to be considered and high-end tables will generally have padded backboards. The board may be covered in smooth leather or faux leather with memory foam beneath it. There are other tables that have a mesh type fabric covering the backboard.
Comfort – The comfort provided by the table is also important and different models will have different degrees of comfort on offer. There are also a number of comfort features that the table could have. You need to look for comfortable ankle locks and a comfortable backrest.
Size – The size of the table will play a large role in how effective it is for you. There are some recommended height ranges that you should know about before you buy. It is essential that you ensure the table will fit your height before you buy.
Convenience – Convenience features should be considered, but they should not be a deal breaker. There are some tables that have handles while others will have additional convenience features to make the operation easier. These will include adjustable ankle locks.
Portability – The portability of the table may or may not be important depending on how you are going to be using the table. If you are looking at a permanent setup, you will not have to worry about this. If you are planning to store the table when not in use, then you have to choose one which is stable but easy to fold up and store.
Price – The price of the table is very important and you have to choose one that is within your budget. Budget inversion tables will often lack certain features and comfort, but will meet your needs. If you want all of the bells and whistles you could be looking at spending up to or over $1000. If you are not a seasoned user and only want the necessities, you should look at the mid-range options for up to $500.
Additional Features – There are a number of additional features that you should consider. These could include soft padded foam on the backboard to a heat insulated structure. Anti-slip pads and lumbar supports are features that many people consider, but having a table without them will not mean that you are not getting what you need.
Warranties and Guarantees – The warranty and guarantee offered on the table are very important. The best brands will generally provide a 1-year warranty. However, there are some other brands which offer a 5-year warranty and you should consider this.
The Risks of Inversion Therapy
Before you rush to look at inversion tables, you need to know that there are risks to this therapy. If you have circulatory or heart conditions, you have to check with your doctor before trying this. There are other conditions where inversion therapy has been deemed unsafe.
The hanging position related to this therapy will increase your blood pressure while decreasing your heart rate. It can also put pressure on your eyeballs. If you suffer from certain conditions such as herniated disks, spinal injuries, bone or joint disorders and osteoporosis, your doctor will not recommend this form of therapy. There are many other conditions which can be worsened or cause increased risks when coupled with this therapy and you need to listen to your doctor regarding this.
Inversion 101: Some Exercises for Inversion Beginners
If you suffer from back pain, you might want to know what you should be doing with inversion therapy. It is important to note that you will not have to fully invert to receive the benefits. A simple guide for beginners will look at the different task through the weeks.
The first 2 weeks should have your table at a 20 to 30-degree angle and you should use it for 1 to 2 minutes once or twice a day. You can slowly increase the time until you are comfortable with the position and process. This is the best way to become used to your inversion table and relax while you use it.
After the first 2 weeks, you should increase your inversion degree to up to 60 degrees. This will have you parallel with the rear legs of the table. You should try working your way up to 15 minutes on the table one to two times a day.
After a further 2 weeks, you should be able to reach full inversion where you are hanging upside down. The amount of time that you spend in this position will depend on you, but it is recommended that you spend 5 to 15 minutes twice a day on this position. You should slowly work your way to the maximum time and remember that everyone is different when it comes to inversion.
Conclusion
Now that you are informed on the options available on the market, hopefully our recommended top picks can help ease the selection process. Note however, that the best inversion table should meet your needs and be within your price range.
While inversion tables can be a bit pricey, the spinal decompression is a much more affordable alternative, compared to other forms of chronic back pain treatments.
With advancements being made each day, newer and better inversion tables are constantly hitting the market, whether from old or new manufacturers. Due to that fact, we will keep updating the comparison chart above; as and when, new inversion tables need to be included.
Did we miss an inversion table that deserves to be on the list? Let us know in the comments section below!
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Editors’ Choice & Best Seller
- Adjustable headrest pad with large and comfortable padded backrest.
- Six (6) position Adjustable pin system with added Patent Pending...
- True Balance system for easy inverting with ergonomically & reversible...
- Adjustable headrest pad with large and comfortable padded backrest
- Accommodates users 4ft-10in to 6ft-6in with a 300 lbs. weight capacity
Best Budget
- Sturdy, multi-angle, user-height adjustable inversion table with soft...
- Heavy duty 1.5-inch square steel frame with 300-pound weight capacity....
- Extra-long, full loop safety handle bars and adjustable tether strap...
- Foam rollers and ankle cushions hold ankles safely and comfortably;...
- Height adjustable for users from 4 feet, 10 inches to 6 feet, 6 inches...
Editors’ Choice & Professional’s Choice
- Gender Unisex Type Inversion Tables Dimensions 84L x 28.8W x 86H in....
I’m Lucas. I used to be a back pain sufferer, but I’ve recovered. I created BestforBackPain.com to help others find relief without going to physical therapy or expensive medication.
Last update on 2021-01-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API