Inversion Table Overview

Those who suffer from chronic back pain will try just about anything to suppress the badgering pain along their spinal column. Surgery and medication are not always the right answer, many back pain sufferers subscribe to alternative therapies, such as the use of an inversion table. Inversion tables can be similar in appearance to a teeter-totter seen in a playground. Tilting the body upside-down relieves spinal column pressure, and allows tissue and nerve inflammation to heal, which in turn relieves back pain. The best inversion tables should be durable and provide optimal therapeutic benefit.

 

The Benefits of Inversion Therapy

An Inversion table helps the body to heal by minimizing weight-load on the spine. Inversion tables are used by the user strapping in to the table and leaning backwards. The table then turns the user upside down, putting their legs above their head. According to Energy Center, inversion tables utilize gravity to allow vertebrae to spread apart, relieving pressure on spinal discs and nerves. This results in lessening pain and stiffness, as well as strengthening ligaments in the back.

 

IronMan 4000

The Galt Internet Guide suggests the IronMan as an alternative to the Teeter inversion table line. One4Fitness awarded these tables five stars. User’s ankles are locked in with a palm-activated ankle lock system, and the table has three predetermined angles. Amazon carries this table for $349.

 

Teeter Hang Ups F5000/EP-550

Galt Internet Guide and One4Fitness both give their best inversion table rating to the Teeter Hang Ups F5000/EP-550. Galt reports that these two models are actually the exact same. The confusion was due to the fact that the F-series of tables was discontinued in 2008. The EP-550 is defined by Galt as having a stable base, with a mesh bed that moves with the user’s body. The table folds for storage purposes, and in March 2011, retailed for $360 at Amazon.

 

Teeter Hang Ups EP-950

Teeter’s EP-950 is also known as the F9000, and has the same functionality as the EP-550, but comes with some additional features as well. Users can tighten ankle straps from the handles without having to bend-over, according to Teeter. Over-EZ handles help the user in and out of a desired position, with preset angle and options for manual stretching. In March 2011, the EP-950 retailed for $550 at Amazon.