My sense is that an inversion table is a good thing to keep a healthy back healthy. Some have issues with being up side down.

@minijohn I had asked my PT about inversion tables and she didn't think it was in my best interest. With gravity affecting blood flow in the body, it puts extra pressure into your head, and if a person has issues that may increase the risk of a stroke, an inversion table is increasing blood pressure in your head. Some people have vascular malformations in the brain (as I do) which can be a weak area in a blood vessel and may be a site for a stroke.

I use other methods for doing PT stretching such as a foam roller or a Body Back roller (wooden). The foam roller is a gentler way to mobilize the spine, and not everyone should do this unless they have consulted their health care provider. The Body back roller has a groove in the center with bumps on either side that will deeply massage the muscles next to the spine and it is a bit painful to lay or roll on it, but it does get my spine realigned. It's also worth mentioning that posture is very important to spine patients; if you can maintain good ergonomic posture, you prevent the wear and tear caused by bad posture. We are all different of course with differing spine conditions, so it is best to ask your doctor what is safe to do.