there can be some benefit to the inversion table. Even just for a minute first thing in the morning and odd times during the day when you can use it, followed by some extension exercises. Most lower L4/L5 problems come from our backs always flexing forward. You could possible achieve some of the same results of the inversion table simply by hanging from a pull-up bar, but leaving your toes touching the ground so that the stretch is happening in your lower back. Follow this by laying on your stomach and pushing your upper torso up in the air while keeping your legs and buttocks clenched. The benefit comes from simply having a routine where you regularly even for a minute whenever you have time to put your back through extensions rather to try and offset all the flexing you do when bending forward all day. Just a little here and there, even if just at morning and when you get back home and before bed(that's 3 times a day). It helps to begin by stretching it with the inversion table or doing the hangs as I described. Try to be cognizant as well to avoid lifting in a back flexion, or just bending your knees rather than your back. its the cumulative effect of all the times your bend your back verses the number of times you can extend it each day. Anytime you can avoid a flexion of your lower back think of it as one point, and another point any time you can extend your back, give yourself another point each day. Try to earn even a handful of points each day. Good luck. I've been managing mine for a few years now.
If you can find a way to stretch without the inversion table, it may be more a matter of avoiding a big piece of equipment taking up space in your home. Again it only helps with an initial stretch, but you should follow up with extensions. there are videos online showing how to do extension even without lying down. Simply standing and holding your hips from behind and extending back. Lying on the floor is better.
