Back troubles, inversion tables, decompression units......thoughts??

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MZEMS2

New member
I have chronic back issues, and a history of lumbar fusion, but I've learned what to, and not to do over the years. Sunday I spent 10 hrs in the truck, with just enough stops to eat and gas up. By the time we got home I was done for. I could feel my lower back compressed. So, I laid on the floor for a couple hrs Sunday evening, then again on Monday, doing the usual stretches. Some coworkers seem to think that an inversion table would help me out. After some looking, I see many models of the tables, but then I see what's called the Dex II decompression unit. I'm gonna buy something, but not sure yet. The main issue I have with the table models is that I have a bad ankle.....(major fracture of the ankle and lower tib/fib that's held together with a lot of hardware) I don't wanna put undo stress on that ankle, and I understand that the table models require you to basically hang by the ankles. So, I'm looking for thoughts from anyone that uses a table or decompression unit. Good, bad, waste of time and money.....etc....

Thanks!
 
F

firefightentaz

Member
Doo,
I have a Teeter inversion table that we bought last year. It has helped my bacl alot. If my back is really bothering me I will go 10 minutes twice a day. Other then that I will do 5 min a day and that usually keeps me good. My Chiropractor suggested it because my back muscles sometimes stay tight and adjustments take longer. I know a couple people at work have them and they also swear by them. My wife had cervical fusion three years ago and it helps her out too. I went to Dicks to by mine and the fitness person was very knowledgable. I see they have some different securing brackets that may be an option for you. I feel ours was money well spent. Hope this helps and good luck
 
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ezra

Well-known member
before going out talk to your doc or physical therapist.
they may just set u up with one that buckles around your hips and over your shoulders and pulls with a electric motor via wired remote.
I got one had already met 6800 of my 7g co pay for the yr so I got it and insurance did not dispute
 
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Dave_B

Active member
I have same issuses and agree with ezra. Find a good chiropractor that has a decompression table and talk to your doctor about a prescription for physical therapy. Like he said, there is a belt that buckles around you and they hook it up to a machine that pulls it and stretches the spine out. It worked great for me.

If you buy an inversion table, keep an eye on Craigslist. I see them on there all the time.

Good luck!

Dave
 
mezz

mezz

Well-known member
I have a Teeter Hang Up Inversion Table. For me, it has been a godsend. I have been dealing with herniated disc issues for a long time, like 20 years. First off, a good chiropractor that utilizes "Hands on Maniupation" & a drop table. I am not familiar with the decompression table mentioned, however, it sounds like a powered inversion table without actually hanging you upside down. In light of the fact that you have concerns with the hardware in your leg and ankle, as mentioned previously, consult with your doc or pt, or for that matter, a reputable chiropractor to see if they feel the inversion table would or would not be right for you. IMO, unless you have had joint replacements this should not be an issue for you, especially if it is not a recent surgury. I have used the Teeter Hang Up table for 4 years now & it has been fantastic for me. It has cut down on my visits to the chiropractor dramatically, in fact cut 100% of my back issue visits. I decided to give this a try after consulting with my chiropractor & he felt it would be a good thing, especially considering I would see him approx 30+ times a year just for my lower back. I also invested in the inversion boots for this table which for me are more comfortable than the standard device included. I will caution you, don't be fooled by look a likes, the price will be tempting, the price is cheaper for a reason. If you are going to make the investment in an inversion table, don't settle for anything less than the Teeter, you won't regret it. Good luck.-Mezz
 
M

MZEMS2

New member
Thanks for the info guys. I'm not one for chiropractors, but maybe my regular doc can point me in a direction. In the meantime I think I'll go to ****'s to see what they have, and maybe get a feel for how they work and what options they have. Getting something through a prescription sounds like the ticket..
 
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ezra

Well-known member
Dave_B said:
I have same issuses and agree with ezra. Find a good chiropractor that has a decompression table and talk to your doctor about a prescription for physical therapy. Like he said, there is a belt that buckles around you and they hook it up to a machine that pulls it and stretches the spine out. It worked great for me.

If you buy an inversion table, keep an eye on Craigslist. I see them on there all the time.

Good luck!

Dave
Click to expand...
they perscribed a bit smaller one for me to bring home
 
M

MZEMS2

New member
Went to Dicks this evening and tried the better of three Teeter Hang Up units. It had variable ratcheting ankle lock. Turns out it just puts too dang much strain on my bad ankle. It's not pain in the ankle as much as it is the pain from squeezing the friggin screws in my lower leg and ankle. Work boots cause issues too....arrgghh. But hey, it felt pretty good hanging there a few times, for the couple minutes that I did. Had a he!! of a time getting back upright though...lol...good thing the sales guy was there!! So, I might have to go with the DEX II decomp unit that doesnt hang ya by the ankles, or try to find one of these that ya mentioned that hooks up and stretches ya out...

Thanks for the ideas and input!!
 
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