Back pain has reached epidemic proportions, affecting 80 percent of Americans at some point in their lives, according to Medline Plus. Surgery is unnecessary for most, and regular physical therapy can become costly and time consuming, so many people turn to home massage aids to help relieve the pain. Inversion therapy has become popular through television infomercials and specialty stores that sell tables designed to flip you upside down to decompress your spine. While these tables have been shown to provide some temporary pain relief, there are some things to consider before purchasing your own.
Size
Inversion tables must accommodate the full length of the human body, so most are over six feet long and four feet wide. On top of that, there needs to be adequate room around the table for the platform to swing through its complete range of motion without obstruction. When shopping for an inversion table, consider how much room you have. Some models fold flat for storage, but many do not.
Fit/Safety
Inversion tables have a definite size limit. Depending upon the model, most accommodate people between 4 feet 8 inches and 6 feet 3 inches in height, and up to 300 pounds. If you fall outside of that range, using an inversion table may be dangerous for you. If you are within the range, try it before you buy it. Different tables swing differently under different weights, and some footholds may be unsuitable for larger or smaller feet. You must be able to fit comfortably and securely on the table to use it safely.
Structure
The frame of the inversion table is constructed of steel, but the similarities end there. Some manufacturers weld the joints; others use specially designed fasteners. It is vital to choose a table from a company with a good safety record. Choosing by the type of joint is no guarantee of safety--fasteners can come out, and welds can fail. In 2008, Stamina Products was forced to recall a series of inversion tables after three separate welds failed, causing the unit to collapse. Pick a table with a heavy, solid frame--a lightweight frame may be unstable.Be sure that the unit you buy comes with a good warranty just in case anything does go wrong.
Expectations
Keep in mind that inversion therapy is not a miracle cure. According to Dr. Randy A. Shelerud of the Mayo Clinic, inversion tables may provide some temporary pain relief, but they do not treat the condition or help in the long-term. Recommendations vary, but most inversion table manufacturers suggest several two- to three-minute sessions per day.
Cost
Inversion tables range from around $200 to well into the thousands of dollars, as of 2010, and you get what you pay for. The cheaper the table is, the less likely it is to have structural integrity, a smooth swing and a comfortable surface. Again, try before you buy--a little extra investment up front may save you money on repairs or injuries in the long run.
