Hi all, I come here to find out more about back pain. I get it in my lower back and have done for about 3 years. I have a set of prescribed stretches to ease the pain and flex up my back and though I don't like to do so I sometimes take painkillers to ease the pain.

I'm thinking of buying an inversion table for short term pain management and wondered if anyone had any experiences of these they could share. I wouldn't know what brand to get or how to use them, all I know is a friend of mine swears by his and there seem to be plenty of good testimonies online.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Sorry I have no firsthand experience, but have heard likewise. Some of the people who've sworn by it are the same folks who've offered to sell me their equipment, so I have to wonder....

I don't have any advice on brands/models except that they're often available "used" by people for whom they haven't worked. I wouldn't necessarily take that as a bad sign in itself. Inversion doesn't work for everyone, but I can't fault anyone for giving it a shot.

Hope it works for you,

Doc

If you have had pelvic traction at physical therapy and it at least temporarily relieved back or leg symptoms, then it would make sense. In my opinion, units that placed your knees and hips at 90 deg. mechanically are better (less tendency to hyperextend your back which may increase leg symptoms in some) plus they are cheaper and smaller. I prescribed a fair number of them over 22 years.

I used one before I had back surgery and it did help as long as I did not use to often or to long at any one session.

After having back surgery I CANNOT use it without having even more severe pain.

I would suggest you find a doctor you can trust (if there is such a thing) and ask them.

The best way to know is use one for a short time and see.

You can go to any play-it-again sports and just hop on it for a second or two a couple times a week like you are trying it out before you buy (which in reality that is the case) and see how you feel. If you start feeing better after 6 to 8 times of use then I say go for it.

On the other hand if after just a couple times or even once you have worse pain then I say stop at that point and move on.

Rake

I've been using an inversion table for about 6 months now and it helps my back and I wouldn't be without it. However, I would advise that you consult your doctor first before trying one as everyone's situation is different.

It can be quite confusing for a newcomer trying to find an inversion table suitable for their needs as there are many makes and models around with various features. I ended up getting a Teeter Hang Ups EP-560 inversion table as I think Teeter are one of the oldest and best companies in that field.

Hope that helps.

Welcome jamiehd64.