The Best Inversion Tables of 2024

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Keep your low back flexible with these editor-tested inversion tables.

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Inversion tables are rotating tables that allow people to strap themselves in and turn their bodies upside down with the designed intention of alleviating the sensation of back pain. Angelie Mascarinas, MD, physiatrist at HSS, explains that inversion tables rely on gravity to offload the spine, resulting in less pressure on spinal discs, joints, and nerves. As a result, inversion therapy can help to promote lumbar flexibility and alleviate back pain for people with chronic low back pain, and it may even be a modality to help people avoid the need for surgery.

To find the best inversion tables, we tested a total of 13 products, with expert testing guidance being provided by Mascarinas. In making our picks, we assessed the inversion tables on ease of assembly, design, ease of use, effectiveness, and value. We also spoke with additional experts to further understand the benefits of inversion therapy and who should consider implementing it.

Amazon

Simple and easy to use

Less than an hour to assemble

Easy adjustment during usage

Ankle pads slide off after use

Lumbar material is stiff

Table Weight: 52 lb | Weight Capacity: 350 lb | Added Features: Backrest pad

Teclor’s Inversion Table for Back Relief checked all of the boxes necessary to earn a top spot on our list. It was easy to assemble, taking us less than an hour to put it together. Because injuries from falling are common with inversion tables, it's important to opt for a model with sturdy ankle braces or straps. As we tested it, it proved to be sturdy and safe, with a spring-loaded ankle lock and a safety belt that we appreciated.

We found that the simple design was easy to adjust, working in our experience for children under 5 feet tall and adults over 6 feet tall. It also features a lumbar support that can be adjusted easily when already on the table. We were able to feel adequate spinal decompression with each use of this model. And, after seven weeks it was still in “like new” condition. An added bonus: It doesn’t take up much space, so we were able to leave it out when we weren’t using it.

If you’re looking for a slightly more affordable inversion table, we recommend Yoleo’s Gravity Heavy Duty Inversion Table. We love that it’s easy to set up, features straps that kept us safely in place, and it alleviates back pain—all for a more budget-friendly price. However, keep in mind that it’s pretty large and hard to move, unlike Teclor’s Inversion Table.

The foam ankle pads slide off with each use, which means that they have to be adjusted every time you want to use the table. Additionally, we felt that the material used in the lumbar was somewhat stiff and didn’t break in over time.

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Amazon

Durable made

Lumbar bridge included

Also helps with neck pain

Difficult assembly

Caused ankle pain when fully inverted

Table Weight: 66 lb | Weight Capacity: 300 lb | Added Features: Acupressure nodes, lumbar bridge

Our editor’s mother found the Teeter FitSpine X3 model helped with her neck and shoulder pain that resulted from a car accident decades earlier. It includes a lumbar bridge that we found helped support our back while also stretching our lower back out even more, which helped alleviate glute pain triggered by sciatica.

There are also handholds built into the backrest and frame to enhance your stretch, and the removable/adjustable acupressure nodes let you target tight muscles with four pairs of nodes in varied intensities.

Made with high-gauge heat‑treated steel, this is a durable and well-built product that stood up well during testing to usage by multiple people. We found the rubber footing to be particularly durable, holding up to being dragged around while also promoting a feeling of safety and stability for us. Plus, it's easy to fold and store.

The instruction booklet and compatible app were not easy to use or particularly helpful with this model. Furthermore, when fully inverted, we found this table to create pressure against our ankles that was very uncomfortable.

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To find the best inversion tables, we tested a total of 11 products, with expert supervision provided by Mascarinas. In the end, our picks were made based on the following criteria:

To find the best inversion tables we spoke with multiple experts to help us not only understand the benefits of inversion tables, but also the safety precautions and what people should specifically look for in one.

Verywell Health

According to Winchel, inversion tables use gravity to create a traction force on the lower back. This results in opening disc space to decrease pressure, allowing for imbibition, a process in which the discs of the spine exchange nutrients and maintain hydration for a healthy spine.

Winchel suggests that once a day for 3 to 5 minutes is a good place to begin with an inversion table. At a maximum, Mascarinas suggests five minutes at a time, twice a day.

Some people may experience benefits immediately, while others may notice them gradually over several weeks of consistent use.

Inversion therapy can be energizing in the morning, aid recovery post-workout and promote relaxation before sleep at night. Experts recommend experimenting to see what works best for your body.

Jack Byram has been writing for Verywell Health since 2023, covering all things recovery and fitness-related. As a lifelong athlete and an avid weightlifter, Jack knows and understands the importance of recovery, especially when it comes to the back. He has used inversion tables in the past and knows their value. Additionally, Jack has spoken with countless experts for his work to best understand what people should use for recovery.

Mendelow AD, Gregson BA, Mitchell P, et al. Lumbar disc disease: the effect of inversion on clinical symptoms and a comparison of the rate of surgery after inversion therapy with the rate of surgery in neurosurgery controls. J Phys Ther Sci. 2021;33(11):801-808. doi:10.1589/jpts.33.801

By Jack ByramJack Byram is a freelance writer who has written numerous articles over the last five years about all things self improvement. He has interviewed medical doctors, chiropractors and other experts to guide his research into recommending the best products.