Are you on a quest to find the best back stretchers for back pain?
Then you’re in the right place. Because I have done the hard work for you and have reviewed dozens of models.
In addition, I will introduce the following related topics.
- Product Details (Including advantages and disadvantages)
- Benefits of Using a Back Stretcher Device
- Rules to Follow while Using Traction
…
I will also answer some common questions.
- What is a Back Stretcher?
- How to Use the Lumbar Extender Back Stretcher?
- How Often Should I Use the Lumbar Extender Back Stretcher?
- How Much Should I Expect to Pay for Standard Spinal Decompression Therapy?
- How Do Back Stretchers Work?
- Are Inversion Tables or Back Stretchers the Better Product?
- …
Without further ado, let’s begin!
Back pain is such a common ailment nowadays, that there’s no wonder so many people are actively seeking for an effective relief. We have to spend hours at our desks, many of us forgetting to maintain a proper posture throughout the day. This leads to various health issues such as back pain, neck pain, pulled muscles, shoulder pain and herniated discs.
I genuinely believe in decompression therapy. I think that it is an excellent alternative to surgery. Nonetheless, the cost of this therapy is quite high, very few people being able to afford it. Luckily, there is an effective solution beyond yoga and stretches.
Back traction, or non-surgical spinal decompression, is used by many chiropractors and physical therapists to alleviate cronic back pain. Although the medical science community hasn’t shown a lot of support (the lack of medical studies being the main culprit), this therapy has been widely used for years, many patients finding their pain relief in this method.
What is a Back Stretcher?
A back or spine stretcher is a device made from a piece of arched wood covered in foam. Some of these devices are made from plastic or other firm materials. This piece can fit under your back, enabling you to perform supported backwards stretches. This motion is useful for reversing posture problems caused by too much sitting or by leaning forward, and it is one of the most powerful back pain remedies. A back stretcher can alleviate your chronic back pains, while also strengthening your back and enabling it to regain its natural curvature.
Most back stretchers aim to help you with your lower back issues. If you need to decompress your entire back, you may need to purchase an inversion table and join some yoga classes. Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean a stretcher can’t do a great job on its own.
The ideal back stretcher should be comfortable and not too hard. It should provide full lombar support, and it should be easy to transport. People with back injuries or those who have recently undergone spinal surgery should discuss with their doctor the intention of using a back stretcher.
Main Benefits of Using a Back Stretcher Device
1. Alleviates Back Pains
As you use your back stretcher, you’ll benefit from an increased oxygen flow and blood circulation in the spinal discs area. This will determine the increase in volume of the gel-like substance in the middle of spinal discs. The result is the alleviation of your back pain, as well as a strengthening of your back muscles.
2. Enhances Your Posture
If your job requires you to spend several hours a day at your desk, you’ll probably end up with a crooked back. This may cause other health issues such as slipped discs, sciatica and degeneration. By using a back stretcher, you’ll be able to reverse the effects of your poor posture and help your spine regain its natural curves.
3. Increases Your Range of Motion
As we age, our body loses its flexibility, mainly because of the tightening of our muscles. By using a back stretcher, you can massage the tension points on your back, triggering the relaxation of your muscles. In time, this may help you regain your lost flexibility.
4. Excellent Preventive Measures
If chronic back pains run in your family, you may want to consider using a back stretcher even if you don’t experience any pains. This preventive measure will help you strengthen your back muscles, hence avoiding those back aches.
5. Height Increase
As using a back stretching device for a long period of time will elongate and straighten your spine, it is possible that you also experience an increase in height. Nonetheless, you shouldn’t expect this increase to be more than 3 inches.
6. Affordability and Convenience
Stretching exercises are usually pretty boring. When using a back stretcher device, all you need to do is to lay the device flat on the ground, and to place your back over it for at least five minutes, twice a day. This is one of the least expensive pieces of equipment available today that can help you alleviate your back aches and other spine-related issues.
7. Portability
These anti-gravity devices are made from lightweight materials, being therefore easy to carry around. Their compact design allows you to store them in fairly small spaces, so you may even take them with you while traveling.
There are conditions and ailments that can be alleviated by using a back stretcher. By repeating the procedure over a few days, you should start to notice sciatica pain relief, decreased lower back pain, less stiffness, and a greater range of motion. Consistency is surely going to pay off, so you should try to stick to using your back stretcher every day, for at least one week. The more you do it, the faster your results are going to show.
Comparison Table – Best Back Stretchers for Back Pain
Before starting to use pain killers that can trigger nasty side effects and adverse reactions, you should give one of these back stretchers a try. They are an effective remedy against various types of aches. You can obtain satisfactory results without having to use the device for more than ten minutes a day. As you can imagine, there are lots of options out there, so you should make sure you do your homework well, in order to choose the right device for your body type and medical issues. We’ve tried to help you by putting together a comprehensive list of stretchers, so you can find yours with ease. Feel free to use our work to your advantage.
Best Back Stretchers for Bad Backs
- North American Healthcare JB4866 Arched Back Stretcher
- Back Magic Multi-Level Back Stretching Device
- Spine Stretching (Black) Therapeutic Device Combo with Four in One Adjustable Wooden Pillow, Two in One Back & Lumbar Stretcher, & Back Flex & Posture Device
- Back Magic Plus – Back Stretching Device
- ChiSoft® IMPROVED Orthopedic Back Stretching Device
1. North American Healthcare JB4866 Arched Back Stretcher – Best Budget Back Stretcher
- RELIEVE PRESSURE alleviate neck and back pain with quick stretches,...
- MAXIMIZE FLEXIBILITY consistent use will increase back mobility,...
- IMPROVE POSTURE eliminate slouching, back stretcher will gently bridge...
- ARCH DESIGN innovative positioning gives superior stretch, with firm...
- LIGHT-WEIGHT always stay loose, with convenient design, back stretcher...
This is a spine stretcher that is constructed out of durable plywood with professionally compelted padding covering the foam cushion. This is a stretcher that is going to look like a very high end piece of furniture for your home. The weight of this back stretcher is only a pound. The stretcher is very small, but it is going to work out very well at helping to reduce your pain. What else is nice is the machine has been suggested by a large number of health professionals. This is a back stretcher is going to make it easier for you to be flexible and helps promote good posture.
The customers who have purchased this have talked about how nice it has been at easing their back pain, but also surprised as the device has saved them thousands from going to a specialist all the time. This is a product that has managed to get over a thousand reviews all talking about how great the back stretcher is.
- Is helping remove the pressure in the back with comfort considerd.
- Can help to control the long term medical pains.
- Can help make people’s posture better.
- Easy to move around.
- Has quite ab it of durability to use.
- Can only be used if you are shorter because the product is not large.
- Cannot adjust your body to help complete your needs.
- The instructions do not provide a lot of guidance.
2. Back Magic Multi-Level Back Stretching Device – Editors’ Choice & Best Seller
- Increase range of motion and flexibilty.
- Relieve back pain
- Simple and easy to use.
- Enhance Posture
- Adjustable and portable. You can strectch any time any where but does...
When you want to have a small, lightweight, but adjustable on multiple levels for the arch support you need to consider the Back Magic Multi-Level Spine Stretcher. All that you have to do is move this stretcher to where you are most comfortable.
This is a machine that has been used and recommended by a lot of medication professionals, but also athletes as well as it only needs to be used five minutes two times a day. This is a machine that is made from durable plastic, but it is a comfortable plastic.
- It is very lightweight, compact, and easy to use.
- Has a mutli-level designer which makes it easier for you to increase your stretch each day.
- Can fit into traveling bags allowing it to vacation with you.
- Can help increase how much you are able to move.
- Very simple and straightforward use.
- Not as durable as you would like.
- The price is a little bit on the high side compared to the competition.
- If you are large you will find this will not work for you.
- The construction, since it is plastic, will make you wanting to hide this product when company comes over.
3. Spine Stretching (Black) Therapeutic Device Combo with Four in One Adjustable Wooden Pillow, Two in One Back & Lumbar Stretcher, & Back Flex & Posture Device – Professional’s Choice
When you look at the Spinal Stretch Back Stretcher you will find it is a piece of equipment that does the job it is meant to do. This is made from quality materials that are meant to be durable. The product is made from handcrafted laminated quality wood and foam padding, with different adjustments for the height to help out, but also makes it easier for to have an adjustable stretch as well.
- Quality is going to be second to none.
- Comes in several different colors making the choice easier.
- Has several different combinations to help realign the spine to what you want to have.
- This does a very good job at getting rid of several different back problems.
- Is attractive and can fit into any room.
- The wood is very good quality and laminated too provide more strength.
- The wood is very expensive.
- The produce can be difficult to use at times.
4. Back Magic Plus – Back Stretching Device – Excellent Product
- ✔ Comes with EXTRA CERTIFIED ORGANIC BALM (Sold by VITA ACTIVATE...
- ✔ HELPS RELIEVE CHRONIC BACK PAIN & POSTURE CORRECTION: Preventive...
- ✔ IMPROVES FLEXIBILITY: Stretching your back on a daily basis...
- ✔ MULTI-LEVEL DESIGN: 3 level gear adjustment for different ranges...
Back Magic Plus is one of those that has been designed to help alleviate the persistent back paain you may be experiencing.
This is a device that is going to come with 10 nodes that will help give you a trigger point massage to feel good. The nodes are going to help cradle the spine and this will help to get rid of all the tension that you have inside of your spine by relaxing the muscles.
This is a product that is very light weight and portable. This is a product that has a fully adjustable design so anyone can use it to stretch to their comfort levels.
- Uses a top surface trigger massage to help out.
- Has different height adjustments for taller people.
- Can be used for people on all experience levels.
- Very light and small design.
- This is meant to help alleviate the back pain that you may be experiencing.
- Affordability is great.
- The top and the bottom is going to have a great warranty to use.
- The nodes that help with the massage at the top may be uncomfortable for people.
- May not help relieve all the back aches people experience.
5. ChiSoft® IMPROVED Orthopedic Back Stretching Device – Excellent Product
- ✔ SEEN & RECOMMENDED BY DOCTOR OZ: 5 minutes twice a day of using...
- ✔ HELPS RELIEVE CHRONIC BACK PAIN & POSTURE CORRECTION: Preventive...
- ✔ STRETCH AWAY BACK PAIN with CHISOFT BACK STRETCHER (2nd Edition) -...
- ✔ IMPROVES FLEXIBILITY: stretching your back on a daily basis...
- ✔ MULTI-LEVEL DESIGN: 3 DIFFERENT STRETCHING ARCHS that will give...
ChiSoft is one of the originals, which is a great back stretcher using green foam. What is really great is the stretcher is lightweight, compact, and very easy to use.
- This is going to help relieve the stiff back muscles.
- Has a 3 multi-level design to allow you to work your way up to better stretches.
- The soft foam in the middle is going to provide a comfortable support level.
- The plate is made of good quality and robust.
- Will allow you to feel like you are getting an acupressure massage feeling with the mini knobs on both sides.
- Can be hard to get the stretcher up to the maximum level.
How to Use the Lumbar Extender Back Stretcher
Step 1:
The first thing that you need to do is place the device on a flat surface, like your floor. You will want to place it on the floor and lay down over it while bending your knees while you lay back. When you are using these devices you need to make sure the wide end of it is closer to your glutes. If it has a cradle for your spine make sure you have properly positioned your spine into the cradle.
Step 2:
Second step is to start with a very simple stretching position, which means bending your knees and putting your arms on either side of your side and stay in this position for about five minutes. If you want to have more intensity in the stretch put your arms over your head and try to get your elbow all the way to the floor. Doing this will make the stretch a little bit better and give better quality results. You just have to make sure your knees stay bend the entire time. If you want to have an extreme stretch you will want to have your legs completely touching the floor while your arms are as well.
Step 3:
For the third step you will want to get off of the equipment and sit for a few minutes before getting back to your normal activities.
All that you have to do is keep on top of the stretching for about five minutes a day to get the most from the decompression treatment. If you want you can move your arms around to get different positions to work out. You just have to make sure you experiment slowly to avoid hurting yourself.
Simple Rules to Follow while Using Traction
- If you have any pain or discomfort make sure you stop.
- If you have any of these problems do not do any traction, they include a fracture, implants, AAA, or have had surgery recently.
- When you are doing the traction make sure you try to keep your spined lined up. Do not twist while doing traction.
This is a very useful treatment that can help with multiple problems involving the spine and its nerves. Quite often you will notice the stretcher can help with a lot of the pains, but sometimes it can make this worse as well. Do not be scared of this though. If you are using a stretcher and the pain gets worse just take a break. You may even want to use a different stretcher, but do not do anything that could cause permanent harm.
FAQ
Q: How often should I use the Lumbar Extender Back Stretcher?
A: For the biggest impact, use this product twice a day, each time, for five minutes. If you’d like results to show up more quickly, you can go up to three times each day for a full 15 minutes.
Q: How much should I expect to pay for standard spinal decompression therapy?
A: A single session at a standard clinic could easily run anywhere between $300 and $500. That’s expensive enough, but it becomes exponentially more expensive when you consider you’ll need multiple treatments. You might need to pay upwards of $10,000 before any results become apparent.
Q: How do back stretchers work?
A: The spine starts off full of liquid when we’re young. This liquid helps the spine stay supple and flexible. As we age and become injured, the fluid begins to disappear and the spine becomes weaker and more brittle. Posture doesn’t help. Many people sit hunched in front of a computer screen for hours of their day. This causes further muscular imbalances in the upper and lower back. Proteoglycans are a substance inside each spinal disc. It reduces in concentration over time. As we lose the fluid, our back simply becomes weaker. When you relieve the pressure on the spine, the pain lessens. This is due to the removal of pressure on the nerve roots that rest in the spinal cord.
Back stretchers come in a variety of styles. There’s everything from a simple arched stretcher that targets the lumbar, to an entire back stretching chair. No matter the style, they all focus on passive stretching. When the muscles are fully relaxed, they’ll stretch more. This is the exact situation back stretchers are trying to cause.
Laying directly on top of a back stretcher helps to passively relax the upper and lower muscles of your back. When your muscles are no longer compressed, your spine begins to elongate. This gives the damaged area a chance to heal. As it heals, the pain subsides and the spine begins to hydrate once again. The best back stretchers on the market allow higher concentrations of proteoglycan to enter the fluid. This helps keep the back hydrated even after you’re done stretching. Since the back stretcher allows the discs to absorb more fluid, and thus more oxygen and nutrients, healing happens far more quickly.
Q: Are inversion tables or back stretchers the better product?
A: It’s important to take care of the entire body. A healthy spine depends on the rest of your skeletal and muscular system working properly. That said, the spine isn’t like any other part of the body. It’s somewhat similar to a finger in structure, being a collection of bones with several joints. However, each disc is made much differently from a finger bone! In addition, the spine keeps your spinal cord safe. The spinal cord is literally the major connecting point for every single nerve in your body. The nerves go down from your brain stem, through your spinal column, and from there spread out throughout your body. Because it’s so important, two different spinal care devices have become quite popular.
Stretching the Spine
Your spine has 33 vertebrae. This means there are that many joints in the spine. Each joint is made by a disc filled with a gel-like substance. This keeps the vertebrae from rubbing against each other painfully. From there, your body treats it like another part of the skeletal system. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments connect together to allow you free motion. And of course, there are the nerves that go through your entire body.
This is why yoga and other stretching practices can help with back pain. It forces the muscles around the spine to relax, allowing the spine more freedom of movement. That said, some people need a little extra help. An inversion table or a back stretcher can give you that help.
These devices come in multiple different shapes and styles. The basic model, and the most popular one is nothing more than a round pad cut into a half-circle. You set the flat end on the ground, lie down on the stretcher, and gravity does the rest. This forces your muscles to stretch, and eventually relax.
Benefits of a Back Stretcher
If you’re not very good arching your back, this device can work great. This happens when a person has posture issues. Sitting at a computer all day can do it, but there are many other things that cause a person to curve their body oddly. That said, a back stretcher isn’t meant to help with problems that come from other issues. It’s only useful when dealing with muscle tightness.
Drawbacks of a Back Stretcher
If you have a spinal injury, you may want to avoid using a back stretcher. This is especially true if you have a herniated disc. This is when one of the gel-like discs that keep the vertebrae from scraping against each other. Bending backward and placing more pressure on the discs can actually make the injury even worse. This can cause the opposite effect from what you’re going for and cause massive amounts of pain.
An inversion table does exactly what it sounds like. It inverts you. You may feel a bit weird hanging upside down, but this helps gravity pull on your spine. Walking around simply compresses your spine, which can cause pain. The idea of an inversion table is that by hanging upside down and letting gravity do the work, your spine actually stretches.
Benefits of Inversion
As you may suspect, the muscles and ligaments of your spine begin to stretch as you hang upside down. This allows the vertebrae to separate, creating more space between them. This keeps the spine from moving in ways that might further compress the vertebrae, giving them a chance to heal.
Considerations Before Inversion
Inverting can absolutely help your back pain if you have an issue with the vertebrae or a disc herniation. This can relieve back pain, and possibly even help the disc heal more quickly. That said, those with high blood pressure or glaucoma should not invert. Hanging upside down can cause quite a bit of pressure in your head. This could greatly aggravate the problem.
Conclusion
It can be difficult to find the perfect solution to dealing with your back pain. These five options give you a good foundation for what’s out there, and also showcase some of the best examples of each type. Hopefully one of them is exactly what you need. If they don’t work the way you want them to, then there are other options. No one should have to suffer from back pain.
Take action
If you have a family history of back pain, this product can help you overcome any pain you currently have and help protect from future pain. Not only can it help with posture and flexibility, you might even find yourself growing a few inches!
Editors’ Choice & Best Seller
- Increase range of motion and flexibilty.
- Relieve back pain
- Simple and easy to use.
- Enhance Posture
- Adjustable and portable. You can strectch any time any where but does...
Best Budget
- RELIEVE PRESSURE alleviate neck and back pain with quick stretches,...
- MAXIMIZE FLEXIBILITY consistent use will increase back mobility,...
- IMPROVE POSTURE eliminate slouching, back stretcher will gently bridge...
- ARCH DESIGN innovative positioning gives superior stretch, with firm...
- LIGHT-WEIGHT always stay loose, with convenient design, back stretcher...
Professional’s Choice
I’m Lucas. I used to be a back pain sufferer, but I’ve recovered. I created BestforBackPain.com to help others find relief without going to physical therapy or expensive medication.
Last update on 2021-01-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API