According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), more than 50% of all American adults admit to having some back pain symptoms every year. If not treated, back pain can affect both productivity and quality of life. Luckily, the best back traction devices can provide you with long term back pain relief as well as strengthening your core. All that with no side effects or drug interactions!
If you’re looking for good back traction devices, you’re in for a treat! In this article, I’ll walk you through the 9 best back traction devices you can find out there, so you can pick the one most suitable for you!
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Top 9 Best Back Traction Devices Available on the Market
Back traction devices aren’t just one thing. They’re available in a wide variety of styles, designs, and features. That’s why finding the best one for you isn’t the easiest thing to do.
To make the search process more streamlined and easier for you, I’ve compiled the list with devices of different styles. This way, you’ll be able to choose the one that matches your needs the most!
1. Innova ITX9900 Deluxe Inversion Table with Air Lumbar Support
One of the most popular methods for back traction and decompression is using an inversion table. Innova ITX9900 is one of the best inversion tables that you can find out there by a long mile.
The back traction device is designed for spinal decompression results without costing you a fortune. It has a steel frame to support heavier weights that can reach up to 300 pounds.
Additionally, the inverting machine is super easy to use. All you need to do is lie on the device and secure your body. After that, you can adjust the device using its pin and choose between 6 different positions.
The machine is easy to assemble and comes with all the needed parts for installation. Moreover, it features an air lumbar cushion that can help you further support your back while stretching and decompressing your spine.
The Best Features of Innova ITX9900 Heavy Duty Deluxe Inversion Table
- Ideal for inversion spinal traction therapy
- Easy to set up and use
- Supports heavier weights
- True balance System allows for easy inverting
2. Stamina Inline Traction Control System
The Stamina Inline is one of the smartest and safest traction devices to use for spinal decompression.
What makes it great is that it can help you stretch your back comfortably without inversion. This makes it ideal for users with limited mobility and the elderly.
The machine is a solution to a lot of common pains such as middle and lower back issues. Yet, it’s great for relieving hips and sciatic nerve pain as well.
The machine is also designed to help your spine, hips, and shoulders to align correctly. This helps you achieve a better level of mobility by using the machine for some time.
It comes with a sturdy steel frame that allows it to carry up to 250 pounds without collapsing. Moreover, all the handles and contact points on the device are padded with smooth foam cushions to provide comfort and prevent injuries. You may also like some of the best portable massage chairs from our list, so be sure to check them out.
The Best Features of Stamina Inline Traction Control System
- An excellent alternative to inversion tables
- Features multiple pads for safety and comfort
- Helps in correcting spine and hips alignment.
3. Teeter EZ Up Traction and Inversion System With Gravity Boots
Another great option for back traction is the Teeter EZ traction system. This one is also a great alternative for inversion tables that takes a much smaller space in your room.
The device is registered to the FDA as a back traction device. However, it can also double as a chin-up and pull-up workout unit.
To use it for traction and inversion, you’ll need to put on the gravity boots designed for that purpose.
The device also comes with a user manual and multiple instructional DVDs, allowing you to use it properly.
These boots are designed to suit calves up with circumference up to 16 inches, so you can rest assured that it’ll fit you.
The system is constructed to support heavyweights with a maximum user capacity of about 250 pounds. All that thanks to its durable steel frame construction with powder coating.
The Best Features of Teeter EZ Up Traction and Inversion System
- Also works as a pull-up and chin-up bar
- Comes with a 5-year full warranty for a worry-free purchase
- Certified by the FDA
4. ChiFit Acupressure Back Stretcher and Massage Ball Set
The ChiFit Back Stretcher set is a unique approach for back traction. This device is an excellent option for a household with limited spaces.
It measures 15.8 inches x 10.4 inches x 2.2 inches (L x W x H). This means that you’ll be able to set it up anywhere and store it in the smallest storage rooms.
Additionally, the device weighs only about 2.4 pounds, so you’ll be able to take it outside and use it almost anywhere.
The device is a highly effective massager and back stretcher that’ll help your back stretch and stay relaxed all day.
It also comes with a massage ball that enhances the effect of traction therapy. The device works by allowing your body to use its own weight to realign the spine and relieve the tensions accumulated throughout the day.
The Best Features of ChiFit Acupressure Back Stretching Set
- Highly compact and portable
- Can be used on chairs and on the floor
- Promotes relaxations and help you unwind
5. CoreStretch Upper and Lower Back Stretcher and Physical Therapy Tool
If you’re looking for a device that gives you a high level of versatility for a relatively inexpensive price, you should keep this one in mind.
The CoreStretch Back Stretcher and Physical Therapy tool is a professional device that’s designed to help physical therapy patients to stretch their backs using the body’s natural traction.
One of the most impressive things about the tool is that it’s super-compact and can be stored anywhere when not in use.
Also, it’s a highly versatile tool that can also help you stretch your shoulders as well as your upper and lower back.
The device is suitable for patients of all ages and sizes, as it comes with 10 sizing options and 3 different levels of fitness.
The Best Features of CoreStretch Back Stretcher and Physical Therapy Tool
- Relatively inexpensive
- Stretches both upper and lower back as well as shoulders
- Highly adjustable for different sizing and fitting options
6. Exerpeutic 100 Back Stretch Traction Table and Inversion Alternative
Exerpeutic is one of the top manufacturers in the physical therapy tools industry and this back traction table from Exerpeutic lives up to its name.
This back traction device is specifically designed for patients who are looking for a convenient alternative to inversion tables. It helps the back to stretch without needing to flip the body upside down.
The back traction device comes with a durable and sturdy steel frame construction, allowing it to carry up to 300 pounds of weight.
The device is also padded with multiple dense foam rollers as well as arm and ankle supports. These cushions are all contoured to the shape of the human body for a further level of comfort while using the device.
You can easily adjust the level of stretching and decompression using the multi-function crank wheel.
The Best Features of Exerpeutic 100 Back Stretch Traction Table
- Comes with all the needed tools, guides, and parts for installation
- Capable of supporting heavier weights
- Contoured foam padding for added comfort
7. REEHUT Yoga Wheel Back-Roller and Stretcher for Back Traction
Yoga wheels are also great for tools for stretching the back using natural body traction. Whether you’re into yoga or you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the REEHUT yoga wheel is a great option to keep on your radar.
This one is among the lightest yoga wheels that you can find in the market. This makes it highly portable and easy to store when not in use.
The wheel is made of TPE and foam padding. These materials are eco-friendly and safe to use as well as being ultra-comfortable.
The ABS liner helps the wheel to avoid slipping all the while providing it with enough durability to withstand heavier bodies. In fact, this wheel is capable of handling up to 330 pounds of weight! Love this product? Check out our review of the best yoga wheels.
The Best Features of REEHUT Yoga Wheel Back-Roller
- Ideal for buyers on a budget
- Stretches the upper and lower back
- Support multiple yoga poses
- Safe materials that resist sweating and slipping for extra stability
8. Back Bubble Spinal Decompression and Back Traction Device
If you’re looking for a device that allows you to get rid of back pains with minimal effort, the Back Bubble is a unique approach that has been proven to be effective for decades.
The simple yet innovative back traction device is clinically proven to help your spine to decompress and is certified by the US government.
The device is an inflatable harness that’s attached to a bungee rope to help you achieve weightlessness easily.
It utilizes your body weight to provide traction by performing different stretching techniques. The device even comes with a user manual that shows you all these various methods.
The Best Features of Back Bubble Spinal Decompression and Back Traction Device
- Easy to set up and use
- Certified by the government and clinically-proven for efficacy
- Ideal for achieving a zero-gravity state
9. Precor 240i Commercial Series Stretchtrainer
Last but not least. The Precor 240i Stretch Trainer is one of the fastest rising back traction devices on the market.
Despite being a bit pricey, this device is a perfect investment. The reason behind that is that it can use this device in multiple ways to stretch and decompress different parts of the body.
The machine comes with instructions that are easy to understand. They show you all the various ways you can utilize the machine, so you make the most of it.
The machine is also excellent in terms of space efficiency, as it takes exactly the space it needs for it to work. Moreover, this machine is backed by a 5-year warranty, allowing you to enjoy a worry-free
The Best Features of Precor 240i Commercial Series Stretchtrainer
- Comes with multiple exercises for different parts of the body
- Backed by a generous 5-year warranty
- Highly space-efficient and easy to use
Things to Consider While Shopping for a Back Traction Device
While shopping for back traction and spinal decompression devices, there are some aspects that you need to keep in mind.
Since back traction devices don’t always come cheap, it’s critical that you make sure that your investment gives the most bang for your buck. Here are some of the decision-making points that you need to be aware of.
Size and Portability
One of the most essential aspects that you need to check before buying a back traction device is its dimensions. As you can see, some back traction devices take a larger footprint than the others.
If you’re going to use a back traction device in a limited space, look for compact devices that can be easily stored when not in use. This includes items like REEHUT Yoga Wheel and ChiFit Acupressure Back Stretcher.
These items are also highly portable, which means that you can take them anywhere without much hassle.
Also, some large devices like Innova ITX9900 Inversion Table can be folded to take no horizontal space.
That’s why it’s important to consider the storage and usage space of a product as well as its portability if you prefer stretching outside.
Assembly
While smaller devices like yoga wheels and bubble stretchers come ready to use, larger devices might come disassembled, so you have to put them together.
In that case, you need to make sure that these devices come with everything you’re going to need to get them up and running.
Also, it’s critical that the device comes with a handy user manual that guides you through every step of the way.
Ease of Use
No matter how many features some devices might come with, they can be useless if you don’t know how to use these features.
Ideally, a back traction device should be easy to use and come with clear instructions on how to use them properly. Not only will that help you make the most out of the product, but it’ll also help you avoid some injuries while stretching your back.
Limited Mobility
For the elderly and people with limited mobility, it’s ideal that you go for a device that’s compatible with the physical state of the patient.
Ideally, a seated back traction device like Stamina Inline Traction Control System for Spinal Decompression or Precor 240i Commercial Series StretchTrainer might be a great option to go for.
Also, the Back Bubble Spinal Decompression Device is a seated device that doesn’t require much effort to be used.
An inversion table with a high maximum weight capacity might also work. However, you should make sure that you have someone to help you while getting off the device.
FAQs
What are the benefits of back traction and stretching devices?
Traction devices are one of the greatest methods for performing spinal decompression therapy. What makes them special is that some of them are designed by professional chiropractors, helping you to achieve excellent results from the comfort of your home
They’re great for many people with spinal conditions, such as:
- Herniated and slipped discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Foraminal stenosis
- Spinal spurs
- Sciatica
- Facet disease
- Pinched nerves
Can I combine back traction devices with cervical traction ones?
Similar to back traction, there are some cervical traction devices available on the market. These ones work by stretching the neck region and pull the head away from the neck. They’re mostly inflatable devices, such as Bradfit Inflatable Stretcher.
Generally, you might not need to combine both devices at the same time. However, as long as one device doesn’t hinder the performance of the other one, there should be no problem if you use both of them.
How often should I use a back traction device?
The frequency of using the device depends mainly on the purpose at which you’re using the device.
For example, if you’re using the back traction devices as a form of chronic back stress relief, you might not have to do it for longer than 5 to 10 minutes once or twice a week.
However, if you’re using it for therapeutic effect, you might need to use it for 8 to 15 minutes or as recommended by your chiropractor. As a rule of thumb, you should always avoid using the traction device for longer than 20 minutes.
Wrapping Up Best Back Traction Devices
There you have it. A complete guide with everything you need to know about back traction devices.
As you can see, the 9 best back traction devices on the market vary massively in terms of design, features, and working mechanisms.
Yet, if I get to choose one as the overall winner of this round, I’d go for Stamina Inline Traction Control System. Not only does this device help you decompress your spine easily, but it also helps you religion your spine and hips correctly.
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