Everyone knows that back pain can affect multiple aspects of one’s life.
Whether it’s chronic or just happens from time to time, it can make daily life miserable!
That being said, celebrities and normal people alike have taken to a new craze to try and solve this pain: yoga wheels!
But does this new innovation really help, or do traditional practices still hold their own against the new technique?
How Do Yoga Wheels Work?
While yoga wheels have risen in popularity at an insane rate, there are still many people who don’t know what are yoga wheels, or how to use them.
Even many regular yoga users who have gone out of their way to purchase a wheel are still not sure how to use the tool properly.
So how do they really work?
The point of a yoga wheel is to stretch your entire front side body, including your hip flexors, abdomen, chest, and shoulders.
It also allows you to massage the entire length of your spine and can help you move deeper into poses, specifically heart opening postures like forearm balances.
The wheel also aids significantly in flexibility, especially in the hamstrings! Plus, the wheel can also be used to strengthen balance; it’s a very multifaceted tool!
The yoga wheel, while somewhat pricey, is also small enough to be convenient to travel with.
Whether going on vacation or simply wanting to bring a little yoga to your workplace, it can be stowed in the car with ease and taken with you wherever you want to go, making it perfect for a yogi on the go!
All of that considered, is the wheel right for you? Here are some pros and cons to help you decide.
Yoga Wheel Pros
- Good tool for yoga enthusiasts to aid in flexibility and massage purposes
- Convenient to use and carry with you
- Can make you seem like a well-experienced yogi, even if you’re a novice
Yoga Wheel Cons
- Most wheels are expensive for a small, relatively simple tool
- Can be difficult to use if you’re new to yoga
All in all, it seems yoga wheels are a worthwhile investment.
Between the positive reviews from yogis everywhere, the biggest thing that will deter potential buyers is the price.
However, if you can get past spending around $100 on a small wheel, you will most likely find that it was a worthwhile investment.
What is an Inversion Table?
If perhaps, you’re not into the new yoga trend, there are other options to help solve your back pain.
Traditionally, this has been achieved through the use of inversion tables, but do these tables actually help, and are they as effective as yoga wheels?
Inversion tables have typically been used to treat chronic back pain, sciatic, or even kidney stones, and as achieved by lying on a table and tipping it backward so that your feet are in the air.
You hang this way for a few minutes, in order to ease the pressure of gravity on your nerves and the discs in your spine.
Like many things, evidence on whether or not the inversion table provides relief for back pain is mixed.
For back pain, while some people report short-term relief from low back or compressed disk pain, there is little evidence of a long-term effect.
It’s also important to note that the inversion table can cause certain side effects, especially because you are turning your entire body completely upside-down.
As you can feel the pressure rise in your eye-sockets, your blood pressure will rise as well, and your heartbeat will slow.
Therefore, if you have a history of high blood pressure, glaucoma, heart disease, or a history of stroke, it is not recommended that you use an inversion table.
Furthermore, if you have knee or hip arthritis, an inversion table can put you at further risk for joint injury.
All in all, here are the pros and cons of using an inversion table.
Inversion Table Pros
- Can provide temporary back-pain relief
- Can also help with sciatica pain and with passing kidney stones
- Can be used by someone who doesn’t practice yoga
Inversion Table Cons
- Little to no evidence of long-term affect
- Can aggravate other health conditions
Overall, inversion tables have shown an ability to help those with back pain, at least temporarily.
If you’re worried about aggravating other health conditions, talk with your doctor before strapping yourself to the table and flipping it upside down.
> > Need an inversion table recommendation? This is our favorite < <
Yoga Wheel Buying Guide
If you’ve decided that the yoga wheel is your best bet to fight your back pain, here is our guide on how to pick the wheel that is best for you.
When buying a wheel, there are several important facts to consider, including size, shape, material, and price!
The foam your wheel uses should be high quality, as this is the first thing that you will notice wear down on older or lower-quality products.
And, as far as size goes, wheels generally come between 6-15 inches in diameters, and about 5-7 inches in width.
When considering size, think about your own height and build, and then make a decision that is right for you.
Generally, opt for a larger size, as it will provide more support, especially for individuals who are new to yoga and using a wheel.
Finally, consider how much you’re willing to spend.
While it may be tempting to go with the cheapest option, know that this product will probably not last as long, nor will it be as effective, as some of the more expensive options.
Yoga Wheel Recommendations
UpCircleSeven (Pro Series) Yoga Wheel
If you’re an avid yoga lover, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of the UpCircleSeven brand, which is quickly rising in popularity due to their quality products.
The UpCircleSeven (Pro Series) Yoga Wheel is 12 x 5 inches and can support up to 550 pounds, and is made up of an outer layer that is sweat-wicking and a cork that is naturally antimicrobial, both great features for a yogi’s wheel!
Even better still, UpCircleSeven offers a 100% money-back guarantee in the event you’re dissatisfied with the product.
That being said, this durable yoga wheel will neither bend nor break, and it’s very unlikely you’ll be dissatisfied with your purchase.
While this is a quality yoga wheel, you will be paying for it with a hefty price.
Plus, this wheel does not come with instructions on how to use, so it might not be the best purchase for a yogi who is just starting out.
SukhaMat Pro Series Dharma Yoga Wheel
The SukhaMat Pro Series Dharma Yoga Wheel is a great option for both newbies and experienced yogis.
Unlike the UpCircle Seven yoga wheel above, this yoga wheel comes in a wide variety of colors and styles, so it’s very easy to customize.
This wheel also features an extra-thick TPE outer layer, and the inner wheel is made from an eco-friendly PC alloy, making it both comfortable and durable.
It can also support up to 500 pounds, and, once again, this company offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and allows you to return your wheel if you’re not completely happy with the purchase.
As far as drawbacks, some consumers have reported that the colors aren’t as vibrant in person as they appeared in the online advertisements.
Other than that, this wheel seems to make all of its customers very happy.
Our #1 Recommendation – The Chirp Wheel
While there’s no denying the high quality yoga wheels above, we really can’t get enough of the Chirp Wheel+.
In particular, if you deal with back pain, you’ll want to really consider the Ultimate Back Pain Bundle.
This bundle not only includes 3 yoga wheel sizes – 12″ Gentle size, a 10″ Medium size, and a 6″ deep tissue size – but it includes a case to store all your yoga wheels as well as an upper back posture corrector.
Aside from all the extras you get from this bundle, what really sticks out about this wheel when compared to all the other wheels on the market is that it is the only FDA-registered yoga wheel that is a 510(k) medical device.
Vetting by medical professionals, we feel confident recommending that you take a closer look.
>> Read Our Full Chirp Wheel Review Here < <
Inversion Table Buying Guide
On the other hand, if you think you’d rather go with purchasing an inversion table to help with your back pain, here is a guide on how to find the best one for you!
Bear in mind that, as expensive as yoga wheels can get, inversion tables are generally going to be more expensive, ranging anywhere from $100 all the way up to $1,000 for the best and most effective tables.
If you’re completely lost, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or chiropractor for a recommendation.
They will be able to tell you what the best inversion table is for you, considering both your back problems and your personal budget.
Inversion Table Recommendations
Innova ITX9600 Inversion Table
While on the lower-side of pricing for inversion tables, the Innova ITX9600 Inversion Table is very well-reviewed, and is overall one of the best on the market right now.
The ITX9600 features a large, padded backrest and headrest, perfect for inversion, and offers six different positional options, allowing for customization to your specific height with ease.
The system is also comprised of metal, ergonomic handholds, and reversible ankle holding blocks; this product won’t break down on you in the middle of an inversion session.
And, lastly, if you’re dreading putting your inversion table together yourself, have no fear! This inversion table can be purchased with or without assembly.
Innova ITM4800 Advanced Heat and Massage Inversion Table
While the Innova ITM4800 Advanced Heat and Massage Inversion Table gives you everything you’re looking for in an inversion product, it also offers something unique: heat and massage.
The adjustable, rectangular lumbar pad of the ITM4800 massages and applies heat to your back whenever needed, which is perfect for when inversion just isn’t doing this trick.
This product also features an adjustable headrest, leg extensions, and an ergonomic ankle-holding system, as well as six inversion options that click into place using a pin system.
While slightly more expensive than the product above, the added benefits of heat and massage might be too good to pass up for some consumers.
Our #1 Recommendation – FitSpine X3 Inversion Table
We like the FitSpine X3 Inversion Table a lot, primarily because of the Delux EZ-Reach angle system and the Stretch Max and Traction Handles that that it comes equipped with to provide support and assistance when you invert.
This inversion table has a unique track design on the table bed that allows target traction and pressure-point relief.
Overall, it’s a great inversion table for those who really suffer from back pain, and makes inversion training less intimidating and as comfortable as possible
> > Check Out Our Full Review Here < <
Final Thoughts
As you have surely learned from this article, there is no one way to solve back pain.
Overall, it comes down to personal preference that will determine whether you want to purchase a wheel or an inversion table.
Regardless, whichever you do choose, as long as you follow this guide, and do your own research as to which product is best for you, you will be happy knowing that back-pain relief is just around the corner!
