Guide To Back Stretchers

At some point, almost all of us have to deal with back pain. Back stretchers are a great way to stretch your back and decompress your spine without needing to visit a doctor, chiropractor, physical therapist, or massage therapist. While various stretches and yoga poses can also help with back pain, back stretchers provide targeted relief without the need to learn complicated stretches or poses.

What causes back pain?

Back pain is a vicious cycle for most of us. It’s caused by too much tension in the muscles of the back, making it more difficult to relax those muscles and find relief. Poor posture is one of the biggest contributors to back pain, and sitting at a computer makes it difficult to maintain good posture. You may also have back pain from overworking your back muscles or, conversely, not exercising them enough. Repetitive work or constantly working in the same position may also contribute to back pain. Back pain can be related to joint and muscle issues from your hips to your neck, so you should always see a doctor if you have severe or acute back pain.

How does a back stretcher work?

Back stretchers come in many different forms. They are inversion tables that you strap into so it can rotate you upside down, letting gravity do the work of stretching your back and decompressing your spine. However, inversion tables put a lot of pressure on your head so you need to consult a doctor before getting one. They’re also more expensive than the arched lumbar supports featured here. These models are much simpler than inversion tables and much less expensive. With these arched supports, all you need to do is lay slowly along the curved surface and allow it to gently stretch out your back. Make sure you set up the back stretcher on a firm surface; you never want to try to use one while laying in bed, for example.

Who should use a back stretcher?

If you experience mild to moderate back pain, a back stretcher can probably help you. This includes upper and lower back pain; it may even help with shoulder and neck pain. Many users have reported a reduction in the amount of pain medication they take after using a back stretcher. It’s important to be careful, however, since overuse of a back stretcher could cause injuries. Make sure to follow the usage guidelines closely, and it’s recommended to consult a doctor before use, particularly if you have severe pain or have suffered any back, hip, shoulder, or neck injuries.

Reviews Of The Best Back Stretchers Of 2020

We know that even when you determined that its time to give a back stretcher a try, it’s still no easy job to figure which back stretcher is right for you.  We’ve selected the five best back stretchers each with unique designs to provide various kinds of stretching and spinal decompression.  Any of these will help you begin the path to a pain-free life.

Magic Back Stretcher

This all-in-one back stretcher, posture corrector, and lumbar support comes with everything you need to say goodbye to pain. With a massage top to provide additional relief and a chair strap so you can use it as a lumbar support in almost any seat, the Magic Back Stretcher will help you in a multitude of ways. The thick ABS plastic used means the Magic Back Stretcher will last a long time, and it’s adjustable so that as you get more flexible, you can adjust the settings and continue to get a good stretch. With a 4.3 rating from reviewers, the Magic Back Stretcher is definitely a solid purchase.

Comfort Fit Lumbar Chronic Back Pain Stretcher

This back stretcher dissembles easily for travel and has acupuncture/massage points along it for additional comfort. It provides relief for both back and shoulder muscles. With three levels of adjustment, you’re sure to be able to comfortably use it right from the start and continue progressing to deeper stretches as you build flexibility. Like the Magic Back Stretcher, it comes with a chair strap so you can use it to provide lumbar support when you’re sitting down. Amazon reviewers give it a 4.4 rating, so there are plenty of satisfied customers.

SOLIDBACK Back Stretcher

The SOLIDBACK uses high-quality EVA foam that is soft to the touch but highly dense so it can support your weight (tested with up to 300 lbs). The spiky arc-shaped design provides additional massage-like touch for your muscles, and it also features a specially-designed contour along the center to support spinal alignment. Although there are several other foam models on the market, the SOLIDBACK uses the highest quality EVA foam so it’s more durable and provides better support. Unfortunately, it’s not adjustable so it may take some time to get used to the deep stretch it gives you. With a 4.3 reviewer rating, though, many purchasers were able to make the adjustment.

iRSE Magic Back Stretcher

Another all-in-one corrector, the iRSE Magic Back Stretcher comes with a chair strap and has a comfortable massage top. It also features adjustable levels so you can be sure to get the perfect stretch for you. With an eye towards portability, it’s easy to travel with and comes with a box for simple storage. You can get started quickly with the simple instructions and accompanying DVD. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough reviews of the iRSE Magic Back Stretcher to be definitive.

Gravity Plus Back Bridge

This durable back stretcher has a natural wood finish paired with a simplicity of design that makes it unique. With a different curvature on each side of the back bridge, it can be used on the flatter side for your upper back and neck, or on the steeper side for your lower back. You may need to set it up against a wall when using the steeper side, and it may be easier to use for those with some experience with yoga. Although it has just over twenty reviews at the time of this writing, they are all 5 star reviews so it’s clear that the Gravity Plus Back Bridge has some very happy customers.

Which back stretcher will you choose?

These are the best of the best when it comes to back stretchers. All of them will help stretch your back and decompress your spine as you build flexibility and develop better posture. As long as you remember to follow the usage instructions (most recommend just five minutes once or twice daily), a back stretcher may be the perfect tool to help you move towards a pain-free life.