It seems to me that the inversion table is a short-term solution to a long-term problem. I, too, have had the epidural shots repeatedly (on my fourth set currently) and they are losing their effectiveness. Personally, I find the more I move the better I feel. Since my back is always going to hurt and has for the past 15 years, I am not going to stop doing the things I love to do like playing golf. Most days, I am having so much fun out there and enjoying the beautiful scenery and wildlife we have here in TV, I forget I'm hurting.

Inversion tables are a help to some cases of back pain. I myself benefit from it. Have not been to a back cracker for two years and I had been going for a long time. The older you are you should not invert yourself as far upside down. Any degree past 90 relieves the spine, opens the disks. Dont go over very far. Now there are alot of back problems that should not use inversion, talk to a doctor. I know of a lot of people that have been ruined by back surgery and a few that it has helped rid the pain. I myself am a big chicken when it comes to any type of surgery so that is out for me. Now the shots are a great help but some people have had bad reactions to them. A fellow I worked with had a bad reaction, made him sick and lost work, lost 30 lbs which he didn't need to lose. Just be careful and consult your doctor.

Inversion table success
 

:$:Last summer I tweaked my back when I reached into trunk of car over my golf cart to get my golf bag. Pain was severe that day, unable to finish round of golf. Went to chiropacter that day adjustment didn't help. Two days later couldn't get out of bed with worse pain of my life. Ambulance to ER, pain kiler and muscle relaxer relieved pain. Afew days later was able to walk but with a slap (foot drop) when my right foot hit the ground.

My Dr.(Osteopath) ordered MRI and it showed herniated disc. When I would not consider surgery he suggested the inversion board (30 min. at 90o) I used it for about six weeks with much improvement with my gait. Spent next six month in TV without board and went to pt. helped some but my drop foot came and went. Now Back home using inversion board and gait improved within a few days. Will get another board when I return to TV in the fall.

inversion table
 

Have not used the inversion table. Had lumbar fusion surgery 18 months ago. Extreme pain and lost control of left foot (foot slap). The surgery relieved the pain--10 brackets, 20 screws and 2 rods. Onlly pain is scare tissue breaking loose on left side. Just stings when I over extend. I use a cane sometimes for balance. I play golf usually only 9 holes--not as flexible as I once was. Looking forward to spending more time on the golf course and doing other activities which seems to help. The heat also helps with my flexibility. Have an offeron our house, just waiting for the buyers house to sell.

Albeit not an inversion table, I spent quite a bit of time in PT with a similar device and had no noticeable benefits. I tried chiropractic care with terrible results.

I've had back surgery and I deal with on-going stenosis and arthritis in my back and neck that creates quite a bit of stiffness. For years, I have been getting facet injections in my neck and back on average every 3 months. I also get the nerve endings in my back burned off every 3 months by a procedure called radio frequency lesioning (RFL). These procedures help, but they are not, for me, a cure.

I have spent thousands of dollars on acupuncture, chiropractors, massage therapy, special mattresses, chairs and other devices. I now realize there isn't a magic fix. I exercise daily and although my marathon days are behind me, I've accepted what I have to deal with and I look forward to every day ahead of me. Life is good!