Back Stretcher Device for Relieving Back Pain: 8 Key Benefits
If you’ve struggled with back pain due to an injury or face constant back pain daily, you may have considered using a back stretcher as a pain relief device. But how can a back stretcher help ease back pain?
There are several different ways to stretch your back, but one of the most effective is to use a back stretcher support device like a spine board. This simple device is a great way to improve your lumbar support and get your spine into alignment while you stretch, providing additional support for your lower back.
In addition, the device can be used to perform a variety of different stretching routines, making it an essential tool for anyone looking to improve their flexibility.
Spending 5 minutes a day using a stretcher has been shown to improve your posture and strengthen and loosen your back muscles. It also helps prevent injury and chronic back problems and is a good treatment for those who can’t afford or don’t have access to a physical therapist.
Orthopedic Back Stretcher Device
Back stretchers are devices that provide an arched surface on which you can lie. They are usually made from plastic or wood and rest flat on the floor with an arched portion facing upward.
You lie on your back, positioning the part of your back you want to stretch on the curved portion of the stretcher. As you lie on the curved section of the back stretcher, you begin to stretch your back.
Back stretchers also support your spine as you move to a range of motion which isn’t usually possible when you perform regular stretches.
For those battling back pain, a small stretch with the support of a back stretching device can slowly and over time increase your range of motion and help reduce and help you manage your back pain.
Back Stretchers For Lower Back Pain
Back stretchers can help relieve lower back pain, but many people don’t know how to use them correctly. Most people lie on the device in an incorrect position, which only works to open up the upper part of the back and can further worsen an existing injury.
Some back stretchers aren’t designed with an ideal curve to support lower back pain, and using a rolled-up towel can be more beneficial than some back stretchers. There are lots of dos and don’ts when using a back stretcher for lower back pain, and it’s mostly up to the user to determine if the device is suitable for alleviating their back pain.
Upper Back Stretcher
Upper back pain is caused by soft tissue injuries like sprains or tension in the back due to poor posture. Upper back stretchers are convenient for persistent but minor upper back pain.
Most devices are designed to stretch your entire back. Upper back stretchers like the Magic Back Support stretcher works to relieve lumbar pressure and is an excellent device to help with upper back pain.
Do Back Stretchers Work?
According to Pain Doctor, back stretchers come in various materials, and their design ranges from a simple curved structure to a more sophisticated stretcher chair or machine. Each of these devices aims at passively stretching your back, and this stretching is more comfortable than regular back stretches.
Back stretchers work by relaxing your back muscles. When your back muscles are relaxed, the spine elongates, creating space between the vertebrae.
The space created through stretching your back can relieve pain caused by bulging discs and other back conditions.
Do I Need To See A Professional To Use A Back Stretcher Device?
Before using a back-stretching device, you may have thought about its safety and whether you should consult a professional before use. According to Randi Jaffe, a New York City chiropractor, back stretcher devices can be effective in some cases, but for others, they may do more harm than good.
It’s always best to consult a professional, especially if your back pain is severe. Some of the professionals you can consider are:
Spine Specialist For Back Pain
Spine specialists have a specific area of expertise and can offer patients with severe back conditions a diagnosis and treatments for their requirements. Spine specialists include chiropractors, physiatrists, therapists, rheumatologists, and neurologists.
Orthopedic Doctor
Orthopedic doctors are physicians that specialize in the musculoskeletal system. They can treat injuries and can also help prevent future injuries.
Some common reasons people see orthopedic doctors are dislocations and compression fractures. Those who struggle with back pain are often referred to orthopedic doctors for diagnosis and treatment.
Chiropractor
Chiropractors focus on diagnosing and preventing injuries and disorders of the spine. Chiropractors adjust your body to ease back pain, improve alignment and restore movement in the spine.
According to Duke Health, spinal manipulation can help relieve pain in those suffering from mild back pain.
Benefits Of Using A Back Stretcher Device
Back stretchers are effective and can help with back pain treatment regardless if the back pain was caused by injury or a slipped disc. There are a few benefits to using them, including:
- Reduces and eliminates back pain
Using a back stretcher or spine deck stretches your back and decompresses it; this also relaxes your back muscles making them stronger and better able to withstand the tension that causes back pain. Stretching your back also aligns the spine to its original position.
- Improves your posture
Back pain affects your posture, so stretching the muscles improves your posture and eases the pressure on your spine.
- Stretches and heals your spine.
A back stretching device decompresses the pressure in your spine, which eases tension, improves blood flow, and improves oxygen supply in the spine.
- Relaxes your back muscles
A back stretcher relaxes your back muscles when your back is stretched and promotes increased circulation to your spine.
- Eases the stiffness in your back
Forming a regular stretching routine can help reduce the stiffness in your back and promotes flexibility in your back muscles.
- Prevents herniated discs
A back stretcher device prevents herniated disks by pushing the discs into their original position.
- Increases flexibility and range of motion
When your back muscles are stretched, it increases the flexibility in your body which improves your range of motion.
- An affordable way to help alleviate back pain
Just 5 minutes a day on a back stretcher is a great way to relieve back pain and is more affordable than regular physiotherapists’ visits.
Do Back Stretchers Help Back Pain Relief
Back stretchers are great devices used to help relieve back pain. They offer a safe, effective and comfortable solution to easing pain and discomfort.
It can also be used to assist people with their posture and prevent muscle strains. The most popular back stretchers are comfortable to use and are an excellent option for pain management when used daily.
Some should be used with caution, though. Certain back stretchers are too aggressive, too small, too hard, and are misused used, which can cause complications to the user’s health.
Back Stretchers And Posture
Sitting at your computer is one of the most common reasons for bad posture. Back stretcher devices can help improve your posture.
Back stretchers help correct your posture by stretching your back and help support your spine, so it goes back to its original position.
How To Use A Back Stretcher Device?
When using a back stretcher device, it’s key to position yourself correctly to avoid injury. Sessions should be no longer than a few minutes at a time; at first, as you progress, you can use the back stretcher for up to 5 minutes per session.
To use one, incorporate the following steps:
- Start by sitting comfortably on your floor. Lie back slowly and relax. The back stretcher device should be positioned just under your neck. Once you begin to stretch, you can continue to stretch the rest of your back.
- Get up slowly. Once you have finished using the back stretcher, get up slowly to avoid injury.
- Use a pillow for head support. When starting to use a back stretcher, use a pillow to support your head and for extra comfort.
If you prefer watching a tutorial on how to use a back stretcher, Vibe Health provides an informative video on how to use a back stretcher correctly.
How Long Should You Lay On A Back Stretcher
The maximum time that should be spent on a back stretcher is 5 minutes. Anything longer than this is not recommended.
How Often Should I Use A Back Stretcher
A back stretcher can be used every day and should be used every day to significantly decrease your back pain and help maintain your spine health. You can start with fewer days per week and gradually increase the frequency as your back adjusts to the stretching.
Back Stretchers And Sciatica Pain Relief
If you’ve been struggling with persistent sciatica pain, using a back stretcher can help relieve some of your pain and discomfort.
Sciatica Pain
According to the NHS, sciatica pain occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to your feet, is compressed. Sciatica pain can improve without treatment, which can take 4-6 weeks.
Sciatica pain is felt in your lower back and runs down your leg.
Sciatica Pain Relief And Spine Health
Sciatica pain can be managed by incorporating sciatica exercises into your daily routine. These exercises will reduce sciatic nerve pain, improve nerve function, promote healing, minimize the re-occurrence of pain and improve your range of motion.
Exercise to reduce sciatica pain improves your spine health and is the best way to avoid sciatica pain.
How Can Back Stretcher Relieve Sciatica Pain?
A back stretcher lengthens and stretches the spine, which helps relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve. In addition, the stretching and lengthening of the spine offer relief from the pain caused by the sciatic nerve.
Spine Decompression
Spinal decompression is a group of treatments used to relieve back pain. These treatments range from alternative forms of therapy and surgery.
Alternative therapy for spine decompression includes acupuncture, physical therapy, a table tilt or traction, and nerve stimulation. A back stretcher device can also be used as an alternative therapy and uses a similar principle to the table tilt or traction.
Inversion Tables
An inversion table is a device that can rotate your body into an upside down position, known as inversion therapy. This position can help to decompress your spine naturally. When your body is in upside down position, your body weight will traction or pull on your spine.
This traction will help to separate or decompress the vertebrae in your spine. The separated vertebrae will take the pressure off the discs between them. This can help to reduce or eliminate back pain. In addition, it can also help improve your posture and provide relief from neck pain.
Difference Between Back Stretchers And Inversion Tables
Back stretchers offer a cost-effective way to manage back pain. They are used for simple stretching, but they provide no adjustability, which is unsuitable for those with severe pain as it can offer too much of a stretch and cause injury.
An inversion table is more costly compared to a back stretcher device. But inversion tables are more applicable to several users. Inversion tables use gravity and the weight of your body to stretch your back.
Inversion tables are adjustable, so you can decide what position is comfortable for you to stretch.
Where Can I Get A Back Stretcher Device?
Back stretcher devices can be bought at Walmart, Amazon, and Target. Some of the best-reviewed on the market include:
1. Sunanth Back Stretcher
The Sunanth back stretcher has a multi-level design that aims to improve flexibility, correct your posture and relieve back pain; this is the most well-rounded product. It stretches your back and offers gentle acupressure.
2. Solidback Back Stretcher
The Solidback stretcher is orthopedic and great for those looking to ease pain, stimulate blood circulation and get rid of knots. This stretcher is made from high-density spiked foam with a 3.5-inch arch to support your spine.
3. Sae Arc Spine Stretcher
The Sae Arc Stretcher eases upper and lower back tension, improves posture, and relieves muscle aches. This sturdy, reasonably priced stretcher can withstand a weight of 1000 lbs.
4. Spin deck Back Stretcher
The Spine deck back stretcher is a device that can help to improve your posture and relieve back pain. It consists of a series of interconnected plastic disks that you place against your back. As you move, the disks massage your muscles and help to loosen up your spine. The stretcher is easy to use and can be done in the comfort of your own home. Best of all, it is relatively inexpensive and can be a great addition to your regular fitness routine
Conclusion
Back stretcher devices are an excellent option for back pain management. They are safe for mild to moderate back pain, and when used daily with precautions, they can keep your spine healthy.
It’s clear the benefits of using back stretching devices are numerous, and those suffering from back pain should invest in a back stretcher device. Try it for a few weeks you will see the difference!