Stretch your spine and release your tension with these editor-tested picks
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Whether you’ve slept in a funny position or pulled a muscle during your workout, having back pain is no fun. Beyond stretching and using foam rollers, inversion tables are another device that can relieve back and neck pain. Inversion tables “allow a person to hang upside down to reduce compression on their spine,” which alleviates back pain and tension, Blessen Abraham, DC, New Jersey-based chiropractor at Brunswick Health Center, told Verywell.
When selecting an inversion table, look for safety features, such as adjustable ankle holders and body straps, recommended Suzanna Wong, DC, chiropractor doctor at Twin Waves Wellness Center in San Diego. “Aside from safety, look for the functionality of the table. Things like padding and handles make a big difference to how you feel when you are using the table,” she added.
We tested a dozen inversion tables at our Verywell Health testing lab and evaluated them for comfort, ease of use and setup, price, storage, and additional features. We also had a physical therapist from our Medical Expert Board review the contents of this article for accuracy, how to safely use inversion tables, and the best way to evaluate them.
Has massage and heat features
Assembly can take between 45 minutes and 1 hour
Innova’s ITM 5900 Inversion Table received no less than a 4 across our most important attributes, earning a spot as our top pick. Beyond being well designed with a padded head and backrest, the 5900 is easy to use, per our tester. All you have to do is propel yourself back with the handlebars and let your two arms dangle.
The table comes with ankle securing pieces so you don’t have to worry about falling while inverted. “I was really impressed with this inversion table,” said a Verywell tester. “I trusted it to support me, invert safely, and hold up well over time.” One caveat of the table is that it’s heavy and requires two people to assemble and move. Overall, it’s easy to use, safe, and comfortable.
Table Weight: 62 pounds | Weight Limitations: 300 pounds | Added Features: Massager and heat option
Lighter in weight compared to other tables
If you’re looking for an affordable table that gets the job done, we’d recommend Innova’s ITX 9600. This table comes with a large backrest, foam handlebars, and adjustable ankle holders to keep you safe and comfortable while inverted. “This inversion table was easy to use and felt secure enough that I wasn’t worried about falling while using it,” said Verywell’s tester.
This 46-by-28-by-63-inch table is also easy to use and weighs 52 pounds, which is lighter than other tables. Our tester noted that the inversion table inverts quickly, so it is best to hold onto the handle as a precaution. “I liked that this table was straightforward to use, but users should be aware of how quickly it inverts you,” they explained. “If you're not holding on to it, you can fly backwards pretty quickly.”
Table Weight: 52 pounds | Weight Limitations: 300 pounds | Added Features: Backrest pad, foam handlebars
Has massage and heat features
Has wheels for easy transport
Some inversion tables come with neat features and this one from Health Gear has a full-length, adjustable massager to soothe back pain or muscle tension. With a click of a button, the massager delivers vibrational pulses to your upper, mid, and lower back. What’s more, the table has a removable side pin, allowing you to switch up your inversion position to 20, 40, 60, or 90 degrees.
Beyond being easy to use, the table has wheels, making for easier transport. Setup takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes, per our tester. “Health Gear is easy to use, has handle bars to invert yourself, and has an easily adjustable ankle rest. I didn't feel unsafe using the inversion table,” said our tester.
Table Weight: 56.8 pounds | Weight Limitations: 300 pounds | Added Features: Heat and vibrating massage pad, hand controller, foam leg rollers
Easy to use and store
Has adjustable headrest and height adjustment
Massage features not as strong
Innova’s Health and Fitness ITM 4800 comes with a lumbar pad that does double-duty as a heater and massager. So not only will you be inverted, you’ll get to relieve backaches and pains. “The heating feature was the best aspect of this table, it really helped provide that relaxing sensation while inverting,” said Verywell’s tester.
The 4800 has other notable features, including a heavy-duty steel frame, adjustable headrest, padded backrest, and foam handlebars, making for a comfortable and safe inversion process. It also has a weight capacity of 300 pounds and can accommodate users between 4’10 and 6’6.
Table Weight: 57 pounds | Weight Limitations: 300 pounds | Added Features: Adjustable lumbar pad, adjustable headrest pad
If you’re experiencing back pain, we’d recommend Teeter’s EP-560 Inversion Table. It comes with adjustable acupressure nodes of varying heights to relieve back and muscle tension while inverted. Simply put both of your hands back to be flipped upside down. While the Teeter does not have a padded backrest, it comes with a pillow for support.
Some of the parts come preassembled, only requiring five steps that took no more than 15 minutes, our tester noted. “I really appreciated how easy it was to assemble this inversion table. Although it requires two people, set up took roughly 15-20 minutes, faster than any other inversion tables,” they said. The Teeter received no less than a 4.5 across all attributes except for portability, where it scored a 4. All in all, Teeter’s EP-560 is easy-to-use, comfortable, and adjustable.
Table Weight: 58.2 pounds | Weight Limitations: 300 pounds | Added Features: Adjustable lumbar pad, adjustable headrest pad
Inverting requires a sturdy table to prevent falling and this one from Harison is heavy-duty. Made of steel frames, Harison’s Inversion Table can invert 180 degrees and support a 350-pound capacity. The backrest is made of memory foam that contours to the shape of your back and the table has an adjustable frame that accommodates people who are between 4’3 and 6’5.
Because the table is made of heavy-duty materials, it can be hard to transport or move, according to our tester. To transport, we’d recommend grabbing a helping hand. “Overall, this is a heavy duty inversion table that is cumbersome but comfortable and feels well-designed and stable,” said one Verywell tester.
Table Weight: 83 pounds | Weight Limitations: 350 pounds | Added Features: None
Doesn’t accommodate users under 5’1
Can only support up to 250 pounds
This simple and easy to use inversion table has all the components you need to successfully invert. The backrest is made of a memory-like foam and comes with an adjustable lumbar pillow for comfort and support. It also has an adjustable ankle support system to prevent you from slipping and accommodates users between 5’1 and 6’6.
While the table was sturdy, our tester noted that the recline feature can invert quickly, so it’s best to use the handlebars. “When you remove the safety you can fold the table up enough to make it easy to move,” said our tester. All in all, the table scored no less than a 4 across all attributes and is a great no frills option.
Table Weight: N/A | Weight Limitations: 250 pounds | Added Features: Removable headrest pillow, removable lumbar support pad
4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best inversion tables we reviewed. We recommend them without reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These inversion tables are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great inversion tables, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These inversion tables are just average.
3.4 and below: We don't recommend inversion tables with this rating; you won't find any on our list.
The Verywell Health team spent eight hours at the Verywell Testing Lab, testing 12 inversion tables to find the best ones. Our testers, comprised of two Verywell Health editors, a production assistant, and a health writer of varying weights and heights, conducted the tests. The testers compared the inversion tables and evaluated them for ease of use, comfort, stability, safety, and additional features.
Our testers also examined how easy it was to use and set up the product from the box. They repeated the process for each table. If the inversion table didn’t function as advertised or was not safe to use, those products were excluded from the roundup. We also spoke with these doctors for their expert opinions on factors to consider when choosing an inversion table:
Each inversion table has its height and weight specifications. Most have a height range between 4 feet 11 inches and 6 feet 6 inches and a maximum weight capacity of 350. We recommend following the guidelines for each specific table to prevent a fall while inverted. Additionally, you'll want to consider how the cushions and straps match up to fit your body. Most have adjustable elements to ensure a custom fit.
Bells and whistles like massage and heat may seem like over-the-top extras, but they can help with muscle and back pain. Some doctors believe that inversion therapy can help reduce muscle spasms in the back and reduce pressure on the nerves in the short term. Another proven method to help soothe back spasms is applying heat to the area. Some models have heat focused on the lumbar area, while others have a heated mechanism lining the entire back support pad.
Overall, inversion tables are safe for most people to use at home. They aren’t an instant cure, but when used under the care of a physician or specialist, an inversion table can provide real relief. The flipped position uses the natural force of gravity to increase the distance between each vertebra, decompressing the disc and spinal canal. However, it’s worth noting that any added space goes right back to the way it was once your head is above your feet.
When you're inverted, you're at the mercy of the equipment, so safety is a top priority. “Being in an inverted or suspended position certainly puts patients in a vulnerable position and at risk of falls or injuries,” said Lin. “These risks can be heightened in elderly or less coordinated patients. I would recommend consulting with your spine doctor before undergoing inversion therapy.”
Your own doctor can help you determine if inversion is safe for your specific condition. “Prior to buying and using an inversion table, I would recommend patients be evaluated by a spine doctor (either a physiatrist, pain management doctor, orthopedist, or neurosurgeon),” said Lin. “A pain management doctor may be able to guide patients regarding the specific modalities of therapy that would be best suited for the patient.”
That doesn’t mean you can’t safely invert using inversion tables at home. “Inversion can safely be done at home, however, there are conditions one should consult their healthcare professional before using, such as stroke, heart disease, glaucoma, high blood pressure, blood clot or vascular disorders, acute muscle spasm, fracture, and infection,” said Centofanti.
“Inversion tables are a subset of treatments that work by providing traction on your spine," said Lin. "Instead of performing traction manually (someone providing pressure), or mechanically (with a special table with attachments), an inversion table theoretically works by allowing your spine to stretch using gravity.”
Romina Ghassem, DC, chiropractor and founder of Think Healthy, told Verywell that “Inversion tables are designed to reduce gravitational loading on the compromised spinal joints. The irritated spinal nerves demonstrate favorable response by reversing the gravitational load to decompress and relax surrounding tissue.”
It doesn’t take long to get the positive spine sensations going. “When using your inversion table, start with sets ranging from 30 seconds to one minute, performing a few sets daily,” said Centofanti. “Always start with less time inverted and with more sets until you know how your body responds.”
Ghassemi recommended a similar approach: “Initially, I recommend patients to use their inversion table at a gradual inversion. If upright is 180 degrees, I recommend starting at 135 degrees daily regimen at 1 to 3 minutes followed by rest for 5 to 10 reps, [and] a gradual increase of 15 to 30 degrees of inversions until you reach 180 reversal or full inversion.”
Inversion tables typically cost between $100 and $300, with some running a little higher with added features like lumbar supports or even heat and vibration. Our least expensive pick was the Body Vision IT9550 at $130—our no-frills pick—which was easy to use.
Receiving her master’s degree in public health in 2020, Kayla Hui is a seasoned public health practitioner and health journalist. She has interviewed dozens of experts, reviewed numerous research studies, and tested a plethora of products to deliver well-researched product reviews and roundups. Her goal is to help readers make more informed decisions about their health and well-being.
Additional reporting by Steven Rowe
As an experienced health writer, Steven Rowe knows how to truly evaluate a project and tell the difference between marketing claims and real facts so that you can find the best products that work and make your day better. He has experience covering health tech and researching the best treatment options and resources available for people who need it.
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