If you suffer from any type of back pain, you are not alone. As many as 80% of adults suffer from some form of back discomfort.
Walking or standing for long periods of time puts pressure on your neck, back and spine. This can lead to even more serious problems.
A popular home solution is an inversion table. This puts you in an upside down position and gently stretches your spine. This eases pressure on the spinal discs, and provides additional health benefits.
This guide will review the best inversion tables available to help you make the right choice. If you’re ready, let’s get started!
In a Hurry? Here is our top pick:
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Our pick for the best overall inversion table is the Teeter FitSpine LX9. This table has a FlexTech Bed design with a 8-point floating suspension system. This system lifts the bed off the steel frame. This creates a flexible surface for better decompression results.
The LX9 has an adjustable lumbar bridge that targets tractions on the lower back. There are also acupressure nodes for trigger-point release. In addition, the Teeter FitSpine has patented wrap-around ankle cups for pinch-free support.
It’s FDA-registered, and an online coaching app for guidance. Finally, it has a user weight capacity of up to 300lb and 4 ft 8 in – 6 ft 6 in height.
- Features A Floating Suspension
- Adjustable Lumbar Support
- Holds Up To 300lbs
- May Be Too Bulky & Hard To Move For Some Users
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The Innova ITX1200 Inversion Table is our pick for the best budget table. Here’s an inversion table with patent-pending stretch bars that adjust to one of three positions. It has an adjustable, fully padded headrest. The backrest is also padded with lumbar support.
The ITX1200 features a True Balance system that allows easy inversion. This system has ankle supports that can be adjusted without bending over. It’s designed for users to 4’10” to 6’ 6” tall. It has a heavy-duty steel frame and has a 350 lb user weight capacity.
- Patent-Pending Adjustable For Height Stretch Bars
- The Ankle Supports Can Be Adjusted Without Bending Over
- Holds Up To 350 lb User Weight
- Does Not Collapse Making It Hard To Store
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The Innova ITM5900 has a patent-pending vertical massage pad. The pad covers the spine area completely and includes padded lumbar support.
The ITM5900 has massage and heat for the lower back area. It’s our choice for the best massage inversion table.
Also, there’s a 6 position adjustment system and an improved ankle support system. You don’t have to bend over to adjust the ankle support, and pressure on the ankle is minimized. Finally, the ITM5900 can hold users up to 300 lbs and 4ft-10″ to 6ft-6″ tall.
- Features Six Position Adjustment
- There’s Heat & Massage For Your Lower Back & Midsection
- Holds User Weight Up To 300lbs
- This Is Not A Space-Saving Design
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Here’s a space-saving, foldable design that’s ideal for small rooms. It’s the best folding inversion table. The Exerpeutic 575SL Foldaway Inversion Table has a folding backrest plus wheels for easy moving and storage.
The table features a 4 position adjustment and headrest that’s also adjustable. The ankle supports feature a patent-pending no-pinch design for comfort. The ankle system also has an easy-to-reach locking mechanism. The user weight capacity of the 575SL is 300lbs. 4.5 Stars.
- Easily Adjustable Ankle Support System
- Space-Saving Design Folds In Half
- Four Transportation Wheels For Easy Moving
- May Be Too Heavy To Move Easily For Some Users
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This inversion table features a thick memory foam backrest for comfort. There’s also a removable lumbar support pillow.
The IRONMAN Gravity 5000 also has patent-pending soft ankle holders. The ankle pads are extra thick to eliminate pain while inverting. That’s why this is our pick for the table with the best ankle supports.
Additionally, this unit features complete 180 degrees vertical inversion. This allows a full stretch. There’s also rubber non-skid floor stabilizers that prevent the Gravity 5000 from moving during inversion. Finally, the user weight capacity is 350lbs.
- Features Memory Foam Backrest
- Patent-Pending No Pain Ankle Supports
- Holds Up To 350lbs User Weight
- Not A Space-Saving Design
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Here’s our pick for the inversion table with the best heat pad. The Health Gear ITM5500 Advanced Technology Inversion Table has a removable backrest with heat and massage.
This inversion table features a 4” memory foam backrest with a contoured, ergonomic design. The backrest features a remote control.
The height is adjustable and accommodates most users. The “Sur-Lock” ankle support system has extra-large foam leg pads. The foldable design accommodates 300lbsl. 4.5 Stars.
- 4” Memory Foam For Support & Comfort
- Remote Control Heat & Massage
- Oversized Pinch-Free Ankle Supports
- May Be Hard To Move For Some Users
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The Body Vision IT9825 Premium Inversion Table has a wider and longer backrest than most tables. The backrest uses memory foam and has a removable head pillow. The lumbar support pad is adjustable and removable. The ankle supports feature thick foam for comfort. They are also easily adjustable.
The IT9825 accommodates users 5’1″ to 6’6″ and adjusts easily for height. It has a user weight capacity of 250 lbs. Finally, the Body Vision has a locking design and can be folded when not in use. It also has wheels for easy transport. 5 Stars.
- Memory Foam For Comfort
- Has A Larger Backrest Than Most Inversion Tables
- Adjusts For Users Up To 6’6” In Height
- May Be Too Bulky For Some Users
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The Prevention Inversion Table is UL certified and comes with heat and massage. There’s a remote control for ease of use. Also, the Premium Inversion Table has 2 massage and 3 vibration programs.
With 5 total adjustments, plus heat, this is our pick for the inversion table with the best adjustability. The table has a steel frame and is height adjustable. It accommodates users weighing up to 300lbs, and from 4’10” to 6’6” tall.
There are pain-free ankle holders that feature a triple-lock system for security. Finally, the Airsoft ankle pads fill with air for extra comfort and support. 4.5 Stars.
- Remote Control Heat & Massage
- Heavy Duty Steel Frame Holds Up To 300lbs
- No Pinch Ankle Support With Triple Lock System
- May Be Hard To Move For Some Users
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Here’s a table that works well for seniors. The Harison Inversion Table uses a heavy steel frame for stability. The backrest has thick memory foam for comfort and support.
There’s a buckle and pin lock system to hold you in place while inverting. It’s adjustable to 4 positions, including full 180-degree inversion. This table accommodates users weighing up to 350lbs.
It also accommodates heights from 4’8” to 6’ 5” tall. There’s a safety belt, and the open parts are covered. Finally, the long handles are double-secured for security. 4 Stars.
- 4 Inversion Positions From 20 Degrees To 180 Degrees
- Memory Foam Backrest
- Holds Up To 350lbs User Weight
- The Ankle Supports May Cause Some Users Pain
An inversion table is a piece of equipment that you lie down on while standing upright. You strap in at your ankles. Then you invert yourself or allow yourself to turn upside down. This is done by slowly lowering your head and raising your ankles over a pivot point. Usually, you have several angles of inversion to choose from. An inversion table stretches your spine, providing relief from pain.
Inversion tables are based on the concept of inversion theory. This means inversion tables use gravity and spinal traction therapy. The inversion table places the body at an angle. By using spinal traction, it stretches the spinal cord. This relieves back pain and other health problems. The table improves circulation and lubrication of the spinal discs.
Here are the benefits of an inversion table:
- Relieves back pain
- Helps reduce pressure on joints
- Improves circulation
- Helps relieve stress
- Improves flexibility
- Improved blood flow to the brain to enhance alertness
- Helps improve posture
- Can help realign the spine
- Decreases post-workout recovery time by easing joint pain
- The inversion table can also be used for sit-ups
The term “traction” has shown up during this guide. Additionally, chances are you’ve seen this term if you’ve done any research on inversion tables. Also called inversion traction, this term refers to stretching or lengthening the spine.
Here’s what you should think about before you purchase an inversion table:
- Talk to your doctor before you begin using an inversion table. It’s important to weigh the risks if you have heart issues, high blood pressure, or are pregnant. Other concerns are hernias, back issues such as degenerative discs; arthritis, inner ear issues, glaucoma, and hypertension. In addition, anyone taking anticoagulants, history of stroke, carotid artery disease should consult their doctor
- When using an inversion table, don’t use boots that attach to a bar. It takes quite a bit of ab strength to get out of position. If your abs aren’t strong enough, you may get stuck.
- For safety, only consider high-quality inversion tables that have a steel frame.
- While there’s no established time limit, start by inverting for short amounts of time. You should do 2-3 sessions of 30 seconds to one minute. You can work up to longer periods over several weeks.
- Choose small degrees of inversion at first. Check on how you’re feeling at every inversion angle. If you feel any pain in your back, knees, or head, stop using and check with your doctor.
- The first time you use an inversion table, have someone in the room. This ensures you can get back to an upright position.
- When you begin, start at a 30-degree angle. While you can go to 180-degrees, some experts feel you will experience benefits at less of an angle.
- If you’re using an inversion table with bars, you can brace yourself and stretch. One way to do this is by twisting yourself from side to side. As well, you can press your lower back into the back of the table. Additionally, you can bend their knees to help open your hips.
- More frequent use is better than increasing the length of inversion time.
- You may experience muscle guarding. This is when a muscle tightens up as a defense mechanism. This happens to protect an injured area. In this case, use a heating pad to encourage muscle release, then use the inversion table.
Before choosing your inversion table make sure it’s manufactured using high-quality materials. Cheaply made inversion tables using low-quality materials may lead to injury while inverting. The frame should be heavy-duty steel, and the rest of the table should be well built.
One of the aspects of a high-quality inversion table is the height and weight capacity. Make sure you check the user capacity before buying. Most tables support a height range from 4’8” to 6’6″, and user weight up to 350 lbs.
A stable inversion table is important when you’re upside down. The last thing you need is a wobbly table. All the tables in our guide are stable and sturdy. However, they must be assembled correctly and be free of defects.
Some of the features users should look for include a comfortable bed area. Others include good ankle supports that do not cause pain. In addition, a good inversion table should have safety handles to hang on to. Finally, some options include remote control heat and massage therapy. This can be helpful for a sore back or joints.
When considering your inversion table, look for the best possible warranty. Some tables, like the Harison Inversion table, have a 1-year free replacement for the table if anything goes wrong. Some tables have warranties of different lengths, while others don’t advertise a warranty at all.
Inversion tables can take up quite a bit of space. Make sure the inversion table you’re considering will fit your available area. Also, be sure your area has enough height. Is space limited? Do you need to store your table out of the way? Many tables fold for easier storage and some have wheels for transport. You can find an inversion table that will work in most spaces in our guide.
Since you can be upside down on an inversion table, you want to be sure of the safety features.
These should include:
- Ankle Locks – Ankle locks help keep your feet secure. The ankle locks should be padded and snug-fitting. However, they should not cause pain or pinching. Some have AirSoft pads. These fill with air and provide improved comfort as well as support.
- Covers – A good inversion table should cover the main moving parts. This prevents getting a finger or hand pinched during use.
- Non-Skid Floor Stabilizers – These should be made of rubber or silicon. They will improve table stability by preventing movement during use.
- Locking Bar – Many inversion tables feature a locking bar to hold the table in position. Make sure your table has one, and that you understand how to use it.
- Some tables, like the Harison Inversion Table, have a safety belt for further security. This works especially well for seniors.
As noted, the degree you invert to should be adjustable. Many begin at 30 degrees and offer several choices up to 180 degrees. The height should be adjustable, and the ankle supports also. A good inversion table should fit your height correctly. It should also have enough angle adjustments for your needs.
So, you’re experiencing back pain and have decided you’d like to try an inversion table. The best overall choice is the Teeter FitSpine LX9 Inversion Table. This table is FDA registered and includes an online coaching app. It features a floating suspension system that allows the table bed to lift off the frame. This provides superior decompression. There’s also patented ankle supports for security.
Would you prefer the inversion table with the best massage unit? The Innova ITM5900 Advanced features an oversized patent-pending massage pad. The spine is completely covered for a superior massage. There’s also heat for an even better experience.
Finally, are you a senior that wants the safest option? The Harison Inversion Table is your best choice. This table features a security belt plus a pin and buckle system that holds you in place. Also, there’s extra long, double secured hand grips, and secure Airsoft ankle supports.
No matter what your needs are, the best inversion tables are right here in our guide. Take a look and choose the one that’s right for you!