9 Best Inversion Tables for Back Pain Relief (in 2023)

Most of us experience back pain infrequently. Often that pain is the results of the constant force of gravity compressing the spine, coupled with external forces on the back during resistance training sessions.

Using an inversion table permits you to hang the other way up and provides some like to your spine by allowing it to decompress, relieve muscle tension, and usually loosen up.

In this text, we reveal the 9 best inversion tables available on the market based on our experience and research. 

Teeter FitSPine X3

Innova ITX 9600

Teeter EP-560

9 Best Inversion Tables

1. Overall Best Inversion Table: Teeter FitSpine X3
2. Best Budget Inversion Table: Innova ITX9600
3. Best Inversion Table For Back Pain: Teeter EP-560
4. Best Inversion Table With Heat & Massage: Health Gear ITM5500
5. Best Inversion Table For Sciatica: Teeter FitSpine LX9
6. Most Comfortable Inversion Table: Innova ITM5900
7. Best Inversion Table For Larger People: HARISON Inversion Table
8. Best Flat Inversion Table: Exerpeutic Inversion Table
9. Best Compact Inversion Table: Skybike MIT 135

The Teeter FitSpine X3 is a mid-price range table from Teeter, the unique and most generally regarded player out there. It offers the most effective lower body lockdown and security of any table in its price range because of a patented ankle support system. To be able to allow for a more accurate height adjustment, it also incorporates rotating foot pads.

The Teeter FitSpine X3 Inversion Table’s frame is manufactured from 11-gauge heat-treated steel. At Teeter, heat treatment of steel framing is standard procedure. This process increases the fabric’s strength ten times above that of untreated steel.

We love using this table because of the standard construct and the acupressure nodes which have provided us with unparalleled rest and recovery advantages. 

Removable acupressure nodes within the Flexbed on this table were designed to massage and treat back muscle spasms and knots. If you happen to prefer to not receive massages, you may have these nodes removed. For greater comfort and personalization, the floating suspension bed includes eight independently moveable points. With EZ-Stretch traction handles, you’ve gotten control over how much traction is used while inverted. The EZ-Angle tether on this item permits you to select your inversion angle before inverting.

Teeter is the one inversion table brand that’s FDA registered.

2. Best Budget Inversion Table: Innova ITX9600

The Innova Inversion Table features an adjustable height tube, an adjustable six-pin angle system, and an adjustable headrest pad.

The frame is comprised of heavy durable, commercial-grade steel. Due to A Frame’s sturdy base, it won’t wobble or move laterally during use. This apparatus can support a maximum weight of 300 kilos and has an adjustable height range of 4’10” to six’6″.

The ITX9600 inversion tables’ backrest pads offer you the best combination of firmness and luxury. The backrest is greater than those on many rival products, giving your torso ample space. The backrest can also be permeable and moisture-resistant.

The oval-shaped, soft foam handlebars of the ITX9600 inversion tables offer loads of room for gripping. This makes it easy so that you can enter and exit the table.

3. Best Inversion Table For Back pain: Teeter EP-560

The Teeter EP-560 is a light-weight version of the famous Teeter inversion table. This FDA-registered device sits within the high-budget position within the Teeter stable. The patented ComforTrak bed design allows for customized relief and simply integrated with a variety of Teeter accessories. It includes a firm yet flexible bed surface but no padding like other inversion tables. Nevertheless, the graceful decompression surface reduces friction to optimize decompression.

There are eight acupressure nodes on the back pad that will be repositioned anywhere along the track and set at different intensity levels. These will be removed when you don’t need them. There’s also an adjustable and removable lumbar bridge.

A dual-setting foot platform permits you to customize your ankle lockdown, providing a cushty hold that will not slip. Grip and stretch handholds are built into the ComforTrak bed and A-frame so you may easily get out and in of position.

4. Best Inversion Table With Heat & Massage: Health Gear ITM5500

The Health Gear ITM5500 has been ergonomically designed to boost your biomechanics. It features 4-inch memory foam padding through the backrest. That gives a high level of comfort and support but may not provide the firmness needed to lower back relief.

This inversion table comes with a removable therapeutic vibrating heat and massage unit. This unit is controlled by handheld remote control, putting you in total control. The Sur-lock easy in/out ankle support system with 4 adjustable oversized high-density foam leg rollers provides a high level of ankle comfort and lockdown.

The Health Gear inversion table is adjustable to twenty/40/60/90 degree inversion angles by means of a four-position side inversion pin. A straightforward height adjuster also permits you to customize the settings to suit your height. The foldable space-saving design of the Health Gear ITM5500 with built-in transport wheels makes it a bit of cake to roll the table away for storage after use.

The Teeter FitSpine LX9 is the one inversion table we have now seen that provides a boarding platform. This elevated, non-slip surface makes it easy to get on and off the gadget. For this reason, this device is incredibly user-friendly for seniors and anyone with limited mobility.

The Teeter FitSpine LX9 features two cuffs to extend comfort and support. The within the ankle pads is lined with supportive material. You may as well extend your spinal stretch with the LX9’s unique Stretch Max handles. This not only facilitates entering and exiting the inverted position but additionally leads to more muscle activation.

The LX9 has a built-in storage caddy. This permits you to have your phone, drink, or other gadgets close by if you end up inverted.

6. Most Comfortable Inversion Table: Innova ITM5900

The ITM5900’s sturdy steel A-Frame structure gives you a particularly secure and robust platform from which to work. With this machine, you furthermore mght have a lot of built-in safety features. These include safety handles that you would be able to use to tug yourself up into an upright position and an easily adjustable ankle-locking system. This device also has a foldable design that makes storage easy.

The ITM5900’s ergonomically shaped backrest has a heating and massage pad inbuilt to offer extra relief. The handheld remote control that comes with this machine permits you to easily change the intensity of the massage and warmth.

The ITM5900 has total weight and size adjustment. The gadget is adaptable to suit people between the heights of 4’10” and 6’6″, with a maximum user weight of 300 kilos. The next angles will also be achieved with this table: 15, 30, 46, 80, 75, and 60 degrees.

The HARISON Inversion Table is a full-range inversion machine that permits you to invert at the next angles:

• 20 degrees
• 90 degrees
• 120 degrees
• 180 degrees

You may as well do sit-ups and other core exercises at various angles on this table. A high-quality memory foam 3-D backrest ensures that you just get the best balance between comfort and firmness. Large foam-covered foam rollers make it easy to get out and in of the inverted position.

This table is fully adjustable, allowing people from 4’9″ to six’6″ to make use of it comfortably. A straightforward reach ankle pin-locking system and a precision chuck buckle mix to offer a high level of safety. The mixture of a U-shape ankle system and adjustable rear foam rollers with front rollers make sure that your lower legs are comfortably secure.

In comparison with most other tables, especially those in its price range, the Exerpeutic Inversion table gives you a wider and longer backrest. The 27-inch width makes it suitable for larger people.

Airsoft ankle holders are a patent-pending element of the Exerpeutic Inversion Table. These offer a better caliber of support and luxury. The Airsoft holders have a palm-activated, ergonomically shaped ratchet locking system for security and luxury.

This inversion table’s backrest is cushioned with one inch of plush foam. It also has a lumbar pillow that’s removable. Exerpeutic’s inversion table has full loop handles that provide you numerous support whenever you get into position on it after which walk your hands as much as the highest to come back out of it.

The device’s maximum user weight is 300 lbs.

The Skybike MIT 135 is a straightforward, portable device that permits you to divert in a confined space. By just sitting in front of the Skybike and leaning back, you’ll find a way to invert to 135 degrees to the ground. This device permits you to achieve this level of inversion without having to place your head lower than your torso.

Your back is supported by 4 soft foam rollers. The frame is comprised of one-inch square tube, 14-gauge steel tubing. This combined with the stable support legs signifies that it may well handle a maximum user weight of 300 lb. There isn’t a height limit on this device.

The Skybike Mini Inversion Table measures 17.5” in length x 17” in width x 12.2” in height. It only requires two feet of space, making it ideal for confined apartment living.

What’s an inversion table?

Inversion tables are cushioned tables that assist you to strap yourself in and tilt backward at an angle or fully the other way up. They’re designed to treat a variety of spinal conditions, including back pain.

Sorts of inversion tables:

In addition to cushioned tables to invert, there are the next devices:

• Inversion chairs: It is a chair that you just are strapped into before the chair tilts to an angle to invert your body. Some experts imagine that it is a safer type of inversion since it puts less pressure on the lower body.
• Gravity Boots: Gravity boots are padded boots that you just wear while hanging the other way up from a bar. This permits for inversion therapy in a straight-down position but not for angle gradations.

Advantages of Inversion Tables:

The whole body advantages greatly from spinal decompression, oxygenating the tissues, stretching and releasing joints and muscles, and lowering heart rate.

Even frozen joints will be relieved with mild joint and muscle stretching and release. Following their release, exercise will be performed over again to enhance mobility and circulation, lessen pain, and limit the danger of additional damage.

Listed here are the three major advantages of using inversion tables:

1. Reduces back pain

Chronic low back pain that starts within the lower back and travels down the legs is a symptom of sciatica. On account of the capability to decompress the spine, hanging the other way up on an inversion table can immediately reduce back pain.

Inversion treatment will help straighten your spine and release strain on your entire posterior chain. That can aid in releasing and relaxing the muscles in your neck, hamstrings, gluteus maximus, traps, and deltoids, relieving back pain. Any trapped nerves can be released because of the increased space between the spinal discs brought on by the spinal decompression that follows the liberation from gravity.

Misalignment of the spine may cause muscles to stiffen up. Stretching and energizing muscles with inversion is a really efficient approach to extend and realign the spine. It improves circulation and aids in easing overall body stress, which advantages the joints as well.

On account of the removal of compression on the veins and arteries that run across the spinal discs, decompression of the discs leads to a rise in blood and oxygen flow throughout the body.¹ For this reason inversion tables are a tool in physical therapy that a physical therapist may look to with the intention to help alleviate a patient’s issues.

2. Promotes spinal health

Gravity has some detrimental consequences on humans.

The foremost issue is that it compresses the discs which can be situated between our spine’s vertebrae, which makes us shrink.

It is not uncommon for elderly individuals to be horrified to find that they’ve lost height, sometimes by as much as three inches.

Regular inversion can either prevent or lessen height loss.

Although the spine naturally has a graceful “S” curve, our bad posture patterns are inclined to change it. Gravity pushes the spine back into its “S” shape when inverting.

As you begin to note how a lot better you are feeling whenever you stop slouching, leaning, and sitting strangely, this could eventually correct bad posture habits.²

3. Improves flexibility

Regular inversion therapy will improve your flexibility. The realignment of the spinal column and releasing of muscle tension that happens because of this of inversion will make it easier for you bend, twist, and perform on a regular basis movements.³

Inverter Table Risks:

Though it is an excellent tool to decompress the spine, inversion therapy is not for everyone. You need to determine whether it will be secure so that you can accomplish that because it might momentarily raise blood pressure. It is not essential to currently have hypertension for it this be significant.

Please seek the advice of your doctor before starting inversion therapy.

Individuals with the next conditions shouldn’t use an inversion table:

1. Heart, Stroke & Circulatory Issues

Inversion isn’t advised if you’ve gotten a heart or circulatory condition of any kind. That features those that use anticoagulants, have experienced a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA), or fear they might have had a TIA but haven’t yet received a diagnosis. Paralysis, trouble speaking, and memory loss are all symptoms.

2. Hypertension

Inversion can elevate the center rate and blood pressure. This will be dangerous when you have already got elevated levels.

3. Eye Problems

Before doing inversion therapy, it is best to seek the advice of a health care provider or eye specialist if you’ve gotten any eye issues. Glaucoma indicates that there may be already increased pressure within the eyes, a situation that could possibly be worsened by inversion.

Inversion can also be not advised in cases of pink eye, conjunctivitis, retinal detachment, or another type of ocular inflammation.

4. Weak Bones

Traction includes inversion, which is sort of a milder version of being on a rack from the Middle Ages. So, inverting could cause harm if you’ve gotten weak bones. In consequence, inversion may worsen conditions including osteoporosis, spine injuries, recent fractures, skeletal implants, and other bone injuries.

5. Disorientation

It is suggested to keep away from inversion until you’re certain of the explanation for any disorientation and your doctor has given you the all-clear. Disorientation, which incorporates balance issues, middle ear infections, dizziness, and a foggy feeling, will be brought on by quite a lot of aspects.

It’s crucial to find out the source and to attend until any illness has subsided.

6. Obesity

There are several very excellent the explanation why inversion therapy may not be secure for you when you are obese. Obesity increases the possibility of developing quite a lot of diseases, including circulatory issues. These incessantly go unnoticed for a really very long time. In consequence, inversion may place additional pressure in your body that it’s unable to handle when you have already got a cardiac condition or mildly elevated blood pressure.

Moreover, you can have trouble finding an inversion system that may support you because a lot of them have weight restrictions.

7. Pregnancy

Pregnancy puts a whole lot of pressure on the body. It might be that you just would profit from a delicate incline on a slant board to take among the pressure off your abdominal and perineal muscles, but it is important to get a physician’s approval first. Actually don’t invert if you’ve gotten any pregnancy complications, without checking with a physician first. 

In accordance with the Cure Back Pain and Sports Injury Clinic web sites, inversion therapy shouldn’t be utilized by pregnant women. The Energy Center warns that pregnant women should get a physician’s approval before inverting. Inversion therapy could have a negative effect on the mother or baby depending on the mother’s condition and the infant’s stage of development.

8. Prescription Drugs

You mustn’t invert when you use any medications that thin your blood, akin to aspirin or warfarin.

What To search for when Buying an Inversion Table?

Once you get into an inversion table, you depend on it to hold your body the other way up safely and securely. To have that confidence you wish a table that meets certain standards. Listed here are the important thing things to search for when searching for your next inversion table.

1. Construct Quality

To maintain you securely in place, the frame of your inversion table must be constructed of sturdy steel, and the utmost user weight must be roughly 50 kilos greater than your individual.

Moreover, the frame should be composed of sturdy steel and be fully wobble-free. Probably the most stable table design is often the A-Frame kind. You need to also go for frames with self-locking hinges.

2. Features

To find a way to make use of it with maximum efficiency and luxury, an inversion table needs to suit your body. So, it is best to get a table that is totally adjustable. The ankle brackets also needs to be adjustable. Moreover, check to see if the ankle brackets have a reliable locking system. The mechanism for adjusting the angle must be easy to operate and accessible from all directions.

The very last thing you desire to do when your table arrives is to struggle to place it together for hours on end. You would like a tool that is comparatively easy to place together and comes with step-by-step instructions. Also included within the package must be all of the tools required for assembly.

How comfortable you’re within the inverted position will rely upon the standard of the back padding in your inversion table. Search for padding that’s at the very least two inches thick. Moreover useful are tables with lumbar supports which may be removed. Discover a table with heat pads and/or a vibrating massager on the back padding when you want the most effective possible back relief.

3. Comfort

Since your weight can be concentrated largely in your ankles, the ankle brackets must be generously padded.

Armrests also needs to be well padded. You may enter and exit the inversion table with the help of the armrests. The very best bars are those that permit you walk out your hands to help in positioning. The back pad should be thickly cushioned. You don’t need it to be overly padded, though. The decompression of your spine can be hampered by excessive back cushioning.

A mesh back pad can be more airy and breathable, stopping sweat and moisture from build up.

4. Warranty                              

Confirm the terms of your table’s warranty. It would reveal lots in regards to the manufacturer’s level of religion of their product. Some low-quality inversion tables will only offer you a two- or three-year warranty. The device’s bed and frame should include a guarantee of at the very least five years.

5. Price

Inversion tables range in price from around 100 dollars on the budget end to shut to $500 at the highest end. Higher-priced tables have more features and better specs on the frame and padding. Nevertheless, you may still get a superb inversion table on the low end of the market.

6. Reviews

Checking inversion table reviews from verified online purchasers will assist you to get a superb idea of the comfort level, ease of setup, and customer support provided.

Inversion Table FAQs:

Is it price buying an inversion table?

It’s price buying an inversion table if you’ve gotten lower back problems, spend an extended time in your feet or frequently do exercises that compress your spine. Using an inversion table is a superb approach to decompress your spine and convey relief from muscle tension and lower back pain.

What’s the most effective inversion table for the cash?

Top-of-the-line inversion tables for the cash is the Teeter FitSpine X3. Teeter are the unique inversion table manufacturer, and so they have loaded this table with a variety of patented features, including an eight-point floating suspension system, the Delux EZ-Reach locking system, and a precision-balanced three-setting roller hinge.

What works higher than an inversion table?

Non-surgical spinal decompression using a computerized traction system is an alternative choice to inversion table therapy that’s more comfortable. Nevertheless, it is usually costlier.

When must you not use an inversion table?

You need to not use an inversion table if you’ve gotten any of the next conditions; pregnancy, obesity, disorientation, weak bones, eye problems, hypertension, heart, stroke, and circulatory issues. You mustn’t use an inversion table when you use any medications that thin your blood, akin to aspirin or warfarin.

What inversion table is best for back pain?

The very best inversion table for back pain is the Teeter EP-560. This model features eight acupressure Nodes in varied heights for trigger-point release and focused relief. It also has a lumbar bridge with adjustable arch for added traction and support.

Do inversion tables help with neck pain?

Yes, the spinal decompression and traction that you would be able to achieve with using an inversion table will help to alleviate neck pain.

How long must you use an inversion table?

You need to use an inversion table for not more than five minutes at a time, twice per week. Staying inverted for longer than five minutes may cause your blood pressure to change into too high. Start with 30-60 seconds, regularly constructing your time as your body gets used to being inverted.

How often should I exploit an inversion table?

You should use an inversion table day by day, but don’t exceed five minutes per session. Limit yourself to a maximum of two sessions per day.

When must you not use an inversion table?

If you happen to are affected by hypertension, glaucoma, heart issues, or are pregnant or obese, it is best to not use an inversion table.

Summary: Which Inversion Table is Best?

An inversion table is a superb investment for anyone who wants to point out like to their spine. Regular inversion therapy will assist you to decompress your spine, relieve muscle tension and improve your workout recovery.

The very best overall inversion table is the Teeter FitSpine X3, featuring a raft of patented technologies from Teeter, including an eight-point floating suspension system, the Delux EZ-Reach locking system, and a precision-balanced three-setting roller hinge.

As a final recap, listed below are all of our top picks for the most effective inversion tables available on the market right away:

1. Overall Best: Teeter FitSpine X3
2. Best for Budget: Innova ITX9600
3. Best for Back Pain: Teeter EP-560
4. Best with Heat & Massage: Health Gear ITM5500
5. Best for Sciatica: Teeter FitSpine LX9
6. Most Comfortable: Innova ITM5900
7. Best for Larger People: HARISON Inversion Table
8. Best Flat Inversion Table: Exerpeutic Inversion Table
9. Best Compact Inversion Table: Skybike MIT 135

References:

1. Prasad KS, Gregson BA, Hargreaves G, Byrnes T, Winburn P, Mendelow AD. Inversion therapy in patients with pure single level lumbar discogenic disease: a pilot randomized trial. Disabil Rehabil. 2012;34(17):1473-80. doi: 10.3109/09638288.2011.647231. Epub 2012 Jan 23. PMID: 22263648.
2. Vernon H, Meschino J, Naiman J. Inversion therapy: a study of physiological effects. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 1985 Sep;29(3):135–40. PMCID: PMC2484360.
3. Jee, Yong-Seok. (2013). The effect of inversion traction on pain sensation, lumbar flexibility and trunk muscles strength in patients with chronic low back pain. Isokinetics and exercise science. 21. 237-246. 10.3233/IES-130506