After 80 Hours of Testing, These Are Our Top Inversion Table Picks for At-Home Back Pain Relief

To find the top performing inversion tables of 2024, our editors who experience back pain caused by a range of conditions tested 13 popular models at home for a total of almost 80 hours. Editors used their inversion tables a minimum of once per day—starting with low (20–30 degree) inversions, then increasing over time—for a period of <X days/weeks??>. They evaluated each table based on the following criteria, with additional weighting being given to effectiveness of back pain relief.

Ease of assembly: Including time taken, usability of instructions, overall complexity, tools and number of people required.Ease of use: Including how intuitive it was to use, necessity of instructions/videos, security of leg holds, ease of solo use, navigation of settings, and improved ease of use over time.Design: Including footprint in the home, stowability, special features, quality of materials, and sturdiness of construction.Effectiveness: Including pain relief experienced, differences in efficacy at various inversion levels, side effects, and improvements in pain, wellbeing and quality of life after continued use.Value: After testing, our editors were revealed the retail price of each inversion table, and were asked to evaluate perceived value, whether or not they would purchase at full price, and whether they’d recommend each inversion table to others.

Prior to testing, we consulted with physiatrist Dr. Angelie Mascarinas, MD to help us understand safety considerations and inform our test methodology. We also consulted with two physical therapists who use inversion tables in their practice. Other experts we spoke to include:

Cody Barnett, PT, back pain specialist and founder of Bodyworx Physical Therapy & Concussion Center in Wichita, Kansas
Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, CEO & Owner of Marko Physical Therapy

Inversion tables are used to tilt your body beyond horizontal, raising the feet above the head to alleviate gravity’s downward pressure. As Dr. Mascarinas notes, inversion tables help provide some traction to the spine with the help of gravity off-loading the spine, reducing pressure on the discs, joints and nerves. So inversion therapy can be very helpful for patients with pinched nerves or sciatica or even those with muscle spasms.

Dr. Marko adds that in addition to taking pressure off the nerves and discs of the spine, inversion therapy can also help with flexibility. She stresses that research into the effectiveness of inversion is mixed, that this form of treatment is not for everyone, and that inversion should only be part of a larger pain management plan. She recommends discussing inversion therapy first with your regular physical therapist or primary care physician, and trying inversion with your therapist before purchasing a table for your home. 

While inversion therapy won’t cure these conditions, it can help reduce symptoms of the following:

Scoliosis: The lengthening effect of inversion therapy has the potential to provide relief to symptoms caused by pronounced curvature of the spine.
Herniated disc/s: The relief of inversion can not only provide relief from pain caused by disc bulges and herniations, but it’s also shown promise in reducing the need for spinal surgery. 
Sciatica: Intermittent traction with an inversion device is showing promise as a surgery-reducing treatment for compression or irritation of the sciatic nerves1. 
Other conditions: There’s increasing evidence that inversion therapy can have potential benefits for conditions of the kidneys, lungs, heart and circulatory system. 

Safety and Stability: Before you purchase, check for high-quality, adjustable ankle straps that will fit snugly and comfortably. Look for models with locking bars to keep the table in the correct position.Weight and Height Limits: All the models we recommend come with maximum weight and height specifications. Be sure to adjust the height of your table before you use it, or you risk your head hitting the floor at steep inversions. Comfort: Look for soft yet supportive padding, and fabric or vinyl covers for moving parts (so you don’t get your fingers pinched).  Features: From foldable models for easy storage to drinks holders, acupressure nodes, and even heat and massage functions, there are a number of additional features available. We recommend considering how you’ll use your inversion table and weighing up which features you’re likely to need. If your inversion times are brief, for example, a heat or massage function might not be worth the extra investment.

All our experts agree that it’s important to consult with your regular medical professional, physical therapist or specialist before using an inversion table. Dr. Mascarinas explains that  nversion tables cause your heartbeat to slow down and your blood pressure to elevate so cautions against use of inversion tables in those with high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma, history of strokes, vertigo, and who are pregnant. In general,make sure to choose an inversion table that has safety straps for security and that you can safely get onto. Lastly, keep in mind that those with poor balance may have a difficult time getting on an inversion table. 

When using an inversion table, it is best to tip your head below the heart at about 30 degrees to take advantage of the effects of gravity. It is also advisable to start using inversion tables for short durations as you first get used to its effects, 1–2 minutes per day and maximum of 5 minutes twice per day, adds Dr. Mascarinas.

Here are some more safety considerations:

Use a spotter: When you’re learning how to use your inversion table, make sure you have someone nearby to use as a “spotter,” to help you get on and off, and standing by if anything goes wrong.Small angles, big benefits: Start with low angles and short timeframes. Physical therapist Cody Barnett recommends the maximum invert angle should be 30 degrees, and notes that you don’t need steeper inversion than that to reap all the benefits. Pain is a sign to stop: As Barnett notes, using an inversion table should never cause or increase pain. Should you have a negative experience, stop immediately and see your healthcare provider.

Do doctors recommend inversion tables? 

Short answer: sometimes. As discussed in the Safety Considerations section above, there are a number of conditions and complicating factors that may render a patient unsuitable for inversion therapy. So always consult with your own primary care physician or physical therapist before you try it. 

Who should avoid using an inversion table? 

As noted in the Safety Considerations section above, Dr Mascarinas says inversion therapy may be unsuitable for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma, history of strokes, vertigo, or who are pregnant. Cody Barnett adds there are several conditions of the heart, circulatory and musculoskeletal systems that patients need to consider before attempting inversion therapy. All our experts agree that it’s critical you speak with your primary care physician or physical therapist before you try it. 

How often should I use an inversion table? 

Physical therapist Theresa Marko suggests starting slow, and that a couple of minutes every other day is a good place to start. All of our experts also recommend starting with slight tilts, and increasing the inversion slowly until you find an angle at which you find relief. 

Samson McDougall is a journalist, copywriter, editor and biology graduate. His work encompasses everything from web copy for science museums to sexual health articles for universities, info sheets for first-in-category pharmaceuticals to brand messaging for wearable touch therapy by neuroscientists. Samson is a hiker, biker, surfer, and all-round nature lover with multiple injuries to show for his active lifestyle.