11 Best Inversion Tables To Relieve Your Back Pain In 2022
Improve blood circulation, reduce back pain, and improve your core strength.
sakshi john 
In This Article
Back pain can be excruciating, and pain killers don’t always give the relief you need. Even if they do, there’s a limit to how many chemicals one can pump into one’s system. Inversion tables offer a form of therapy that is non-invasive, non-medicated, and gives almost instant relief. It involves turning your body upside down so that the pressure in the back is relieved, and the traction that’s created decreases pain.
Since you are literally going to be flipped upside down, it’s very important to buy a stable and durable table with comfortable ankle straps, as landing on your head is not really an option. You should consult a doctor and get the green signal, and once you do, you can check out the huge variety of inversion tables that are available. We hope our review of the 11 best inversion tables will help you pick out something that makes your life comfortable and pain-free.
Top Picks
11 Best Inversion Tables
1.Best Heavy-Duty: Innova Health And Fitness Inversion Table – Standard
This heavy-duty inversion table has soft foam handlebars, a large comfortable backrest pad, and is extremely easy and comfortable to invert. It features a True Balance System so that each user can find their balance by adjusting their center of gravity through the adjustable headrest pad, adjustable footrest, and adjustable height. The 6-angle pin slot has a protective cover and can be easily adjusted to get the angle of inversion that you want so that you are comfortable and safe. This is much safer than the old strap systems that require you to dismount in order to adjust it under the table. It can take weights up to 300 pounds and features a reversible ergonomic ankle holding system. This video takes you through this product’s details.
Pros
- Steel frame
- Ergonomic lumbar support
- Pinch protection with protective cover
- Front U-shaped ankle holders with rear foam rollers which can be reversed
Cons
- May not be suitable for short people or those with small feet
2. Best Ankle Holders:Ironman Inversion Table
This inversion table measures 75.6 x 32 x 49.4 inches and features unique AIRSOFT ankle holders so that they are extremely comfortable and do not pinch or hurt your ankles when you are inverting. It has a large 2.5 inches thick vinyl memory foam backrest with double stitching for added comfort, along with a removable lumbar pillow for extra support to the lower back. The height of the table can be adjusted to accommodate a person who is 6.6 feet tall. It features an adjustable, palm activated Surelock ratchet ankle locking system with a double lock ratchet tooth mechanism which makes the table safer when inverting up to 180°. It also features extremely stable, non-skid rubber floor stabilizers so that it doesn’t slip while inverting. For a more detailed review of this product, here’s a video.
Pros
- Extra wide tubular steel frame
- Weight capacity of 350 pounds
- Extra long foam covered safety handles
- Powder-coated scratch-resistant finish
- Adjustable safety tether strap to control the angle of inversion
- Measures 32 x 27 x 74 inches
Cons
- Some feel the leg clamps are too narrow.
3. Best Foldable:Health Gear ITM5500 Heat And Massage Inversion Table
A perfect combination of advanced inversion technology, isolated heat therapy, and soothing vibrating massage, this may just be the inversion table for you. Ergonomically designed, it features a contoured backrest with 4 inches of memory foam for support and comfort. The remote controlled, vibrating massage pad that gives heat to the back can be removed when not required. It features a Surelock ankle support system that has 4 high density foam leg rollers that are adjustable and prevent pinching of the legs. To make entering and exiting the table easier, it is fitted with an extra-long locking arm. It can be adjusted to accommodate heights between 5.1 to 6.5 feet, has a weight capacity of 300 pounds, and a side inversion pin system with 4 positions. Know more about this product in this video.
Pros
- Heavy-duty steel frame construction
- Foldable space-saving design
- In-built wheels for transport
- Non-marring floor caps
- Lightweight and portable massage pad
- Multifunction hand controller for easy massage adjustment
- Selection of 20/40/60/90° inversion positions
Cons
- Some find it difficult to bring the inverted table back to an upright position.
4. Best Adjustable:Yoleo Inversion Table
With precision rotation, this inversion table easily returns to an upright position by shifting your body weight. It features a ratchet ankle locking system which is easy to reach and adjustable. It comes with a safety lock pin system and a precision chuck buckle for added safety while inverting. Its adjustable rear cross bar can be set at 3 angle positions which gives you more options than the typical strap system. Its extra wide, heavy-duty tubular steel frame can accommodate users with a height between 4.10 feet to 6.6 feet and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. It also features an ergonomically-designed, extended memory foam back rest with a removable lumbar pillow for extra support. This portable inversion table has a foldable design for easy storage.
Pros
- Adjustable safety belt
- Adjustable height settings
- Foam covered full loop handlebars
- Front and rear foam rollers in ankle holding system
- Improves posture and blood circulation
- Features wrap-around ankle holders
Cons
- Some of the holes may not line up correctly for assembly.
5. Teeter FitSpine Inversion Table – LX9
This inversion table features an arched frame with a boarding platform that makes climbing on and off very convenient. The stainless steel ankle lock has an extra long handle to make it easy to operate, while its extra long stretch max handles and traction handles add to the options for decompression. Its FlexTech bed with 8-point floating suspension system lifts off its hard steel frame for added comfort. It features a lumbar bridge for deeper traction of the lower back and acupressure nodes to relieve painful muscle tension— both of which are removable and adjustable. Simple arm movements shift your body weight to return to the upright position. Its EZ-Angle tether has 3 preset angle markings for easy adjustment. The ergonomically designed wrap-around ankle cups add to the comfortable experience.
Pros
- Safety certified
- FDA-registered
- Easy to reach deluxe lock
- Easy to store
- Convenient storage caddy
- Weight capacity of 300 pounds
- Can accommodate heights between 4.8 feet to 6.6 feet
Cons
- Some may find it difficult to assemble.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 299 reviews claiming its efficacy.
6. Best FDA-Registered:Harison Inversion Table
One of the best inversion tables for back pain, this one’s constructed with a heavy-duty steel frame and seamless welding and has a weight capacity of 350 pounds. This sturdy and durable table features a safety belt, ankle holders, sponge covered foot rest, protective pedal cover and cap, non-slip nuts and mat, and secure handles to make it extra safe. Its true balance design ensures that you don’t take a sudden topple off the table. The position of the table can be set to 4 different angles, including 180° to relieve neck and back pain and release spinal pressure. The ergonomically designed 3D backrest features premium-quality memory foam and contours to your waist curve.
Pros
- Adjustable height
- Foam covered full loop handlebars
- Easy-to-reach ankle pin locking system
- Ergonomic and reversible ankle holding system
- Adjustable rear foam rollers with front holders at ankles
Cons
- Some feel it should have more intermediate settings.
7. Body Vision Inversion Table
Say goodbye to back pain with this inversion table that features an adjustable headrest, a premium memory foam, and upholstered backrest that is wider and longer, measuring 44 x 18 x 2 inches. The removable and adjustable lumbar support pad can be placed to target various parts of the back, neck, and shoulders. The SureLock ankle support system features 4 high density and adjustable foam leg rollers to prevent pinching. It has an adjustable height selector that caters to heights between 5.1 to 6.6 feet and has a weight capacity of 250 pounds. Its 4-position side inversion pin system helps you to easily adjust the angle of inversion without getting off the table.
Pros
- Heavy gauge, rounded steel tube frame
- Space saving design
- In-built transport wheels
- Easy portability and storage
- Non-marring floor caps
- Scratch-resistant powder coat paint
Cons
- Some feel the footrest could be more stable.
8. Fitness Reality Inversion Table
This inversion table features a 0.75-inch thick foam, vinyl covered backrest, and extra long handles so that you can conveniently pull yourself to an upright position. The removable lumbar pillow gives the required support to your lower back while inverting. It can be adjusted to accommodate heights between 4.10 to 6.6 feet and a weight capacity of 300 pounds. This inversion table provides relief from back pain and stress. The dual U-shaped ankle holders combine both ankle cushions and foam rollers with an easy-to-pull pin release system to hold your ankles safely and securely. It features an adjustable tether strap which allows you to invert at different angles. Its foam covered full loop handlebars make it convenient to return to an upright position.
Pros
- Easily foldable
- Convenient to store
- Stimulates blood circulation
- Improves body flexibility
- Triple safety lock system
- 5 inches heavy-duty steel frame
- Scratch-resistant powder coated finish
Cons
- Some may find it too bulky.
9. Best Ergonomic Design:BalanceFrom Inversion Table
The structure of this inversion table is triangular, and its heavy steel frame and safety strap make it extremely safe and stable. Its ergonomically designed, foam covered handles make it simple to operate, maneuver and invert. It’s easy to reach locking system is both convenient and safe. It features an adjustable rear cross bar with 3 lockable angle position and 2 non-lockable angles for easy inversion angle adjustment. Measuring 32 x 44 x 80 inches and with a weight capacity of 350 pounds, this inversion table can be folded and is easy to carry and store.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Adjustable headrest
- Adjustable height
- Foam covered full loop handlebars
- Available with heat and massage lumbar support as well
Cons
- Some may find it difficult to bring it to an upright position.
10. Best Space-Saving Design:Exerpeutic Inversion Table
This inversion table comes with the unique feature of an adjustable heat and vibration massage pad for extra support and comfort. It offers you 2 massage options and 3 intensity levels of vibration which you can monitor from the control panel. For extra safety, it has a triple locking system for the ankles— a primary angle lock, a secondary auto safety lock that is gravity assisted and spring activated, and a visual lock indicator. This innovative inversion table automatically locks your feet with its auto engaged safety lock when inverted. It has a weight capacity of 300 pounds and can be adjusted for people heights between 4.10 feet to 6.6 feet.
Pros
- Heavy-duty steel frame
- Full loop handlebars
- 3-inch thick ergonomically contoured backrest
- UL certified
Cons
- The rod may not be as long.
11. Best For Blood Circulation:Prevention Fitness Inversion Table
This inversion table features a triple safety ankle locking system comprising a primary angle lock, a secondary spring-activated auto safety lock that uses gravity while inverting, and a visual lock indicator to check that the pull pin is in the locked position. It also features ankle cushions that are ergonomically designed to mold to your ankles and hold them securely with airsoft pads. It has the added advantage of an adjustable heat and massage pad with 3 levels of vibration and 2 options of massage that can be controlled from the attached control panel.
Pros
- Premium quality material
- Adjustable headrest
- SureLock adjustable ratchet ankle locking system
- UL certified
Cons
- Some may feel it’s heavy to move around.
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Now that you have been through our review of the 11 best inversion tables, let us give you a few tips on how to choose the best one so that you can derive the maximum benefit from it.
How To Choose The Right Inversion Table
- Size and weight limitations
All inversion tables come with a height and weight limitation that is specified. Most well-designed and good quality inversion tables can hold someone with a height up to 6 feet 5 inches and a weight between 300 to 350 pounds. Respect these limitations or you might suffer a fall in the middle of the inversion. Also, make sure that the straps and cushions fit your body well though they are usually adjustable for a customized fit.
- Size and weight of the table
Inversion tables are a pretty bulky piece of equipment and take up quite a bit of space. They are usually between 60 to 80 inches tall and 50 inches long. They also weigh around 50 pounds or more. Though they can usually be folded, the dimensions don’t change significantly. If your house is small, you need to make a very careful note of its weight, dimensions, and whether it has in-built wheels to transport it.
- Extra features
Some inversion tables come with features like heat and massage which may seem unnecessary, but they help significantly with back pain, reducing pressure on the nerves and helping in managing muscle spasms. Some inversion tables may have these added features in the lumbar area while others may have it along the entire back support pad.
- Safety
Lying inverted puts you in a rather vulnerable position and can result in a fall. You should consult your doctor to ensure that an inversion table is safe for you. Also, ensure that your inversion table comes equipped with a safety clip to limit how far it can invert, and it should have proper grips, handles, and settings to adjust the degree of inversion so that you can easily come back to an upright position.
- Ankle lock system
One of the most important things to consider, it’s the one thing that stops you from falling when you are inverted. Inversion tables may come with foam rollers that secure your ankles and cushion the area. But, they may not clamp down enough to give adequate support for everyone, and foam tends to wear out over a period of time. Metal or plastic U-shaped ankle holders are also popular and come with additional padding and contour to the ankles when locked. The ankle lock system is operated by a lever and it’s important that the user does not have to lean over too much to lock or release the ankles. This makes the length of the lever an important consideration as otherwise people with back problems will have a problem in using it.
- Inversion control
Contrary to popular belief, an inversion of 90° is not necessary to derive the maximum benefits out of inversion therapy. Your spine should be elongated, so other angles of inversion are also beneficial. The angles available on an inversion table and how to shift between them differ from one brand to another. Conventional inversion tables have a tether strap which is located below the backrest. This gives users a lot of control as gradual increments can be made rather than being restricted by preset angles. The main drawback is that you need to get off the table every time you want to make an adjustment.
Newer inversion tables feature a pin system that’s next to the handlebars so that you can adjust it while lying on the table. You just have to slide a pin into the preferred angle slot. This system usually has only 4 to 5 options, so the angle can’t be changed as you can with a tether strap.
- Backrest
Backrests with at least 1-inch of padding are there on all inversion tables. Some feature memory foam as well. There’s still debate whether a cushioned backrest may benefit or obstruct inversion therapy. Some therapists feel that inversion tables should have a non-padded, flat backrest, as with cushioning, the spine may not decompress sufficiently. But most people like the comfort that a padded and contoured backrest offers.
Now that you know how to choose the perfect inversion table for your needs, it’s as important to know how to use it properly.
How To Use An Inversion Table
Step 1— Even if your doctor has cleared you to use an inversion table, it still makes sense to initially start inverting for a shorter period of time and at a lesser angle so that you don’t end up with any pain in your knees, back, chest, or head.
Step 2— Always ensure there’s someone in the room to help you to return to an upright position. People get stuck upside down pretty frequently, especially if the inversion table is of a poor quality or if you’re using gravity boots.
Step 3— It’s not necessary to invert to 180° as inverting to 60° ensures a 100% pressure reduction as compared to standing.
Step 4— If your inversion table has bars on it, take their help to stretch, brace, and twist yourself. Pressing your lower back into the table repeatedly also helps a lot as does bending your knees to help open your hips.
Step 5— Inverting yourself frequently is more beneficial than inverting yourself for long stretches of time as studies show that your muscles relax up to 35% within the first 10 seconds of inversion. You should start inverting yourself for 30 seconds and gradually increase it to 5 minutes or more.
Step 6— It’s best to invert for a short stretch of time, come back to an upright position, and then repeat the process.
Step 7— If your muscles have tightened up as a defense mechanism to protect an injured area, it’s best to avoid inversion as it prevents decompression and traction. In that case, it’s best to use a heating pad to relax the muscles before you invert.
Now that you know how to use an inversion table properly, it’s very important that you understand the benefits you can derive from using it properly.
Benefits Of Inversion Tables
- Reduced back pain
Studies show that 3 sets of 3 minutes each at different angles work wonders for chronic low back pain. Inversion therapy at 60° improves trunk strength, flexibility, and can bring down back pain drastically within 8 weeks.
- Improved spinal health
Inversion therapy is known to relieve pressure on the spine and increase the space between the vertebrae, which in turn decreases back pain, chances of a collapsed vertebra, and other spinal issues. The zero-gravity nature of inversion also reduces compression and brings down the chances of disability and surgery due to problems in the spine.
- Increased flexibility
Inversion therapy also enhances posture and flexibility as spinal micromovements make the body stronger over a period of time. It becomes easier to reach and bend, and is especially useful if you have a desk job.
- Sciatica
Inversion therapy is a conservative but effective treatment to avoid surgery for sciatica. Patients who did a combination of inversion and physiotherapy had 70.5% less likelihood of requiring surgery.
- Better brain function
Inverting increases blood circulation to the brain, increasing the flow of nutrition and oxygen, which can increase the efficiency of the brain by 14%, and is known to enhance memory and concentration.
- Insomnia
Inverting decreases muscle tension and relieves symptoms of insomnia, helping you to sleep better.
- Reduced stress and depression
Studies show that inverting in the first 10 seconds can reduce muscle tension by 35%, and also reduce the symptoms of depression.
- Maintaining height
Inverting can maintain height by reducing the loss of cartilage between joints, the chances of osteoporosis, and the loss of lean muscle, which is very common as age increases.
- Lymphatic drainage
This is essential so that your body can detoxify, regenerate tissues, maintain immunity, and is basically the drainage system of your body. It comprises the lymph nodes, ducts, vessels, as well as the thymus, spleen, thymus, tonsils, and adenoids. If the lymphatic system is malfunctioning and drainage isn’t happening properly, there will be a buildup of toxins and waste and toxins, which will lead to symptoms like stiffness, chronic colds, sore throat, and ear issues, swollen glands, water retention, lack of mental clarity, cold hands and feet, itchy and dry skin. Lymphatic drainage occurs through exercise, deep breathing, lymphatic massage, yoga, drinking lots of water, and inverting.
- Other benefits
There are reports that inverting helps with poor digestion, slowing down aging, mood swings, reducing varicose veins and PMS, improving circulation, increasing immunity, and improving waste removal through enhanced lymphatic drainage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long should I invert?
You should start with inversion which are as short as 30 seconds to 1-minute and do them a few times a day. Once your body gets used to it, you can gradually increase the time.
2. Can inversion tables hurt your back?
It can if not used properly, so the best way is to slowly invert and get into position. It’s not required to invert to 180°, as 60° inversion is sufficient to get an adequate reduction of pressure on your spine.
3. How many times per day should I invert?
It’s recommended to invert twice a day. Inversion causes muscle tension levels to drop by up to 35% in the first 10 seconds. So twice a day works well but you can also do it several times a day to lower muscle tension.
4. What is the best angle for inverting?
It’s widely recommended that 60° is the ideal angle to achieve 100% decompression as compared to the pressure your spine experiences while standing. Increasing the angle too much may be too intense for some people.
5. Should I invert if I’m pregnant?
No, it’s advisable not to do so. But, if you really want to, you must consult your doctor and find out if mild inversion for short periods of time is okay.
6. Should I be doing anything while inverted?
Though not required to derive the benefits of inversion, you can do deep breathing, gently stretch your neck, and do inverted squats or crunches. If you have handlebars on your inversion table, you can twist as well.
7. What if I get dizzy or headaches?
The best thing would be to stop inverting and consult your doctor. If it’s not serious, you can slow down and invert to a lesser degree for a shorter period of time, as even a 15° angle of inversion has its benefits.
The best inversion tables can help reduce back pain and improve your overall spinal health. When picking one, it is important to make comfort a priority. Thus, you may consider those tables certified for safety and are lightweight, sturdy, and easy to assemble and store. Further, ensure it is height-adjustable and consider its weight-holding capacity. Further, you may choose those inversion tables that have add-ons such as handlebars, a scratch-free finish, heat and massage features, and safety lock system. And before bringing home one, it is important to consult a physiotherapist or physical trainer to ensure it not only has specific features but also suits your needs and wants.
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