Inversion tables are one option for people suffering from back pain. Inversion tables allow people to essentially hang upside down. They seem to be uniquely beneficial for those suffering from herniated, stressed, compressed, or fractured discs. Inversion therapy has also been recommended as possibly being able to provide relief for sciatica and spinal misalignment and stress.

When it comes to buying this kind of equipment for home use, quality and integrity of workmanship is essential. You must be able to trust the manufacturer to provide for your safety. Look for non-skid stabilizers and solid steel construction at the very least.

In a perfect world, you'd try out an inversion table or two before investing. Styles of foot supports can vary, and some may find one type more comfortable than another. You may desire ''gravity boots'' for use with the inversion table, or you may find that you feel perfectly safe and comfortable without them.

Also, different tables have different controls. Some (and usually the most popular ones) allow you to select speed of motion (highly recommended), degree locks (also highly recommended--especially for early users), and manual vs. electronic movement. Each type has enthusiasts, though unless you're really gadget driven, you'll probably be perfectly satisfied with the manual controls.

Inversion therapy has been very helpful for some people suffering from chronic back pain. It has not worked for others. You should talk to your doctor or medical practitioner before practicing any kind of inversion therapy.