How to Choose the Right
Inversion Table for Lasting Back Pain Relief  

  
Inversion therapy has been used for over 2,000 years to treat back pain. Simply raise the level of your hips above your shoulders and gravity itself provides a gentle form of spinal traction.  

The trick to inversion therapy is safely resting at such an angle so your weight is supported by your lower extremities. That lets gravity pull the rest of your body without undoing the effect by supporting your weight on your head and shoulders. 

The ladder – Hippocrates’ original inversion table 

Early forms of spinal traction involved having your knees tied together and your ankles fastened to a ladder. The ladder would then be raised leaving you hoisted upside down. Scary huh? 

Other methods used ropes and pulleys to pull the patient into an inverted position. Clearly inversion therapy in ancient Greece left a lot to be desired. 

Inversion therapy began in earnest in the United States about 40 years ago. Ropes, pulleys, and splinters were replaced with metal bars and gravity boots acting as ankle supports. A great way to exercise and enjoy the benefits of inversion – if you can get into the gravity boots in the first place. 

Now there’s a better way to enjoy the benefits of inversion: inversion tables. 

Today’s answer for back pain: inversion tables 

Today’s inversion tables have come a long way in comfort and convenience. No need to contort your body into a pair of hanging gravity boots with a hurt back either.  

If you can stand up and lie down, you can easily use a modern inversion table. But that doesn’t mean all inversion tables are created equal. 

We spent a full three years testing every inversion table and device on the market. That research has shown us a number of areas to evaluate when considering any inversion table. 

Inversion Tables - Quality  

Most inversion tables are made from steel. But the quality of steel used and how well your inversion table is assembled plays a critical role in the long-term durability and safety of the table.  

When considering a table, ensure the height and weight capacities are adequate. Most tables fit up to 6’6” individuals with weight capacities from 250 – 350 lbs. 

Good tables will have a warranty to match the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. Perhaps the most reliable indicator of quality though is independent testing.  

Studies we have seen show the best tables can be expected to last well over 60 years – practically a lifetime. Others experienced catastrophic failure within an estimated lifespan of just 5 months. Keep safety in mind as you choose your table. 

Control   

Inversion can be discomforting until your body becomes accustomed to the change. Gradually increasing the angle of inversion allows your body to get used to inverting at its own pace. 

When starting out, try inverting only 20-30 degrees for a few weeks. This gets your body used to inversion while still providing a mild stretch and improved circulation. Most benefits of inversion can be experienced at 60 degrees, though you may want the option of full inversion (completely upside down) for later strengthening exercises. 

Look for tables which provide a full range of inversion angles with the ability to easily control the angle of incline. 

Comfort   

Most inversion tables include some form of padding and/or head pillow. Surprisingly, many use padding to cover up an uncomfortable center bar on the main board.  

Be aware that the padding on some tables may require you to wear special clothes while using it to enable a full stretch. Tables with a smooth surface and minimal drag saves you time changing clothes. 

Most important to comfort is how secure and comfortable you feel while using the table. Ensure your feet and ankles are secured snugly without pinching. A wide and sturdy base provides more stability. 

You may also enjoy your inversion therapy more using a model that minimizes rattling and squeaking during use.  

Convenience   

If you’re like most people, you’ll only use your inversion table on a regular basis if it doesn’t take too much effort to set up and store away.  

Look for a table with easy assembly. If it folds down for easy storage in a closet or under a bed and folds right back out for use you’ll be ahead of the game. 

Our personal recommendations on Inversion Tables

There are good inversion tables on the market and not-so-good ones. After our extensive research we have found some tables which fit our recommendations at a reasonable price. If you’re looking for an inversion table you will want to look at our specific inversion table recommendations. 



Intersted in Test Driving an Inversion Table For FREE? Click Here