I have an inversion jobbie, similar to the above, except with a fabric back rest. I use it about once a month, just to put some invisible space between the bones in me back. I never feel it doing anything, but I sure get back aches and neck aches when I *don't* do it for a while!
See, I'm 5'3" and used to date a 6'3" guy. He'd pick me up off the ground, in a bear hug, and I'd hear all my vertebrae releasing a little. Ahhhhh! Without him, I had to buy one of these. Not nearly as good, but it works.