Article reviewed and approved by Dr. Ibtissama Boukas, physician specializing in family medicine
According to a study by OpinionWay, an overwhelming majority of French people are affected by back pain, and for good reason we become more and more sedentary earlier and earlier.
Television, office work, poor posture, stress and diet and a general trend towards digital work, all accentuated with the health crisis and its disastrous consequences on our sports activity and our health, you will have understood our backs are full of it the back (no pun intended)!
If you are reading this article, it is surely that you are also looking for solutions in order to relieve your back pain and regain some well-being, and you came across the back stretcher, a rather curious device that mimics the curvature of the back. Let's find out together in this article what it is and its benefits / disadvantages on back pain, as well as a user guide.
Is really effective? How to make the right choice ? In this article, I will give you my opinion of a health professional (physiotherapist) on back stretchers by covering the essential points (benefits / disadvantages, practical application, recommendations and more). If you ever consider buying a stretcher for your back, you will have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
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Dorsal stretcher, what is it?
An “orthopedic” back stretcher is a small plastic support in the shape of an arc with adjustable curvature, which will come to marry the natural shape of the back. This tool will promote spinal decompression, thus releasing the tensions and the pressure exerted on the intervertebral discs.
The device is generally made of plastic with a strip of foam in its center for better comfort and not to create too much pressure on the spine. Some stretchers also have a hollow center in order to leave room for the column during use (generally used in certain physical conditions).
Functioning
We've all instinctively felt the urge to stretch until we crack our backs after sitting in a stagnant position for long hours. It actually gives a feeling of relief.
The back stretcher is going to work much the same as when you manually stretch your back. When you lie on it, you will (because of its curved shape) stretch your back and thus create a decompression vertebrae. A similar effect can also be obtained during a visit to a health professional (physiotherapist, osteo, etc.), or by using tools such as a inversion table.
Please note: Although a back stretcher is more likely to bring more good than harm to a healthy person and the majority of users benefit from it, if you have any doubts or a particular condition (operation, pathology, etc. .) I recommend you to consult a health professional before use, as it could be dangerous.
Good points
By doing a quick research on the back stretcher on the net, it is easy to realize that the product does its job, and although it does not replace a session with a professional or medical treatment, it nevertheless brings significant benefits to its users. Indeed, the majority of opinions turn around 4/5 stars for well-made appliances; now let’s find out what its benefits are:
– The stretcher will help relieve your back of accumulated tension, will decompress the spine and thus temporarily reduce the load exerted on the intervertebral discs, the user therefore feels relief, a reduction in stress, and the back muscles are more relaxed.
– There are also questionable indirect health benefits such as improved blood circulation, nerve relief, positive effect on posture, etc.
– It is also good to use the back stretcher in a seated position on a chair or sofa as a substitute for a lumbar cushion which supports the lower back and prevents back sagging.
In addition to the recommendations and treatment of your doctor, the dorsal stretcher will mainly find its interest in the following situations:
You have a low budget and you want to get devices to relieve your pain at home without having to break the bank. In addition, the dorsal stretcher is easily transportable and is not too bulky, which allows it to be taken everywhere and above all allows a regular use (something that is more difficult with certain devices or sessions). Finally, the back stretcher is adjustable which allows it to adapt to the majority of people.
Summary of the positive points of the back stretcher
Appreciated by its users
Helps relieve tension and some pain
Can be used by the patient at home
Ideal for regular use
Inexpensive alternative
Can be used by everyone (except contraindications)
Usable as lumbar support
Conversely, there are some disadvantages of using the dorsal stretcher.
Negative points
Although it can provide support and some relief, the back stretcher is not a “miracle product” who will treat the cause of your low back pain, chronic pain or other joint problem. Moreover, no tool or accessory will be able to correct such complex problems.
Also, although studies demonstrate the effectiveness of certain methods such as decompression in certain conditions, there are no specific studies demonstrating the benefits of the dorsal stretcher.
Although some people swear by science, this in no way detracts from their therapeutic effect and the feeling of well-being that they provide for many people, the comments available on these products attesting to their benefits.
Also, one of the negative points of the dorsal stretcher, especially when it is used in terms of prevention, is that it requires a certain regularity in its use.
Finally, some people use the back stretcher the wrong way (duration, frequency, position, etc.). Besides, its use can be dangerous for some people with certain pathologies, having undergone an operation… that is why I recommend that you seek advice from your doctor if you have any doubts.
Summary of back stretcher negatives
No real studies on the specific product
Not optimal use
Short term effect (must be used regularly)
Some contraindications
How do I use my back stretcher?
We will now see how to best use your back stretcher. Note that depending on your condition, the duration or frequency may not be suitable; Please therefore ask your doctor for advice if you are following a particular treatment, or if you have any doubts as to its use.
Assembly
Secure the wide end of the base against your knees, then slide the wide end of the base (in an arc) into one of the slots, starting with the farthest.
Area to be treated
Then place the back stretcher behind the back. You can place it in the lower back or a little higher according to your feelings. On the other hand, please do not place it too high because the curvature of the back is mainly at the bottom of it. Note that the notch system should be towards the top of your butt whether you are lying down or in a seated position.
Relaxation and breathing
In order to get the most out of this session, just breathe deeply by relaxing your muscles as much as possible. Your spine will thus decompress and the tensions will dissipate.
End the session
In order to end the session without risk it is recommended to roll on the side rather than standing up from the front, you can also ask for help from a person if you wish. You can increase the level of camber depending on your morphology/feelings.
As mentioned before, the frequency/duration may be different for each (Scoliosis, herniated disc, sciatica, lumbago, etc.). Overall, sessions of 2 to 3 minutes 3 times a day sufficient to obtain beneficial effects. A session of 5 minutes morning and evening is also ideal.
For use as a lumbar support, simply place the back stretcher like you would place a lumbar pillow, in your lower back on a backrest (chair, sofa, armchair, seat, etc.). You can place a cloth over it if it is not comfortable enough.
Which back stretcher to choose?
In general, you have to pay particular attention to the quality, I advise you not to opt for the lowest model you can find, because looking at some comments, the plastic is very thin and it tends to break. Count around 30 euros for a good back stretcher.
This back stretcher on Amazon is a very good compromise between quality and price, the 2 models are available on the site (with hollow and with foam).
Conclusion
So much for the dorsal stretcher. I hope this comprehensive article has given you a clear and representative idea of this device.
Although not perfect, back stretchers are an interesting addition to an active approach if you suffer from back pain, and can bring you significant benefits without replacing medical treatments or a healthy lifestyle. These instruments are also interesting in terms of prevention.
Anas Boukas( Physiotherapist, physiotherapist, consultant )
My name is Anas Boukas and I am a physiotherapist. My mission ? Helping people who are suffering before their pain worsens and becomes chronic. I am also of the opinion that an educated patient greatly increases their chances of recovery. This is why I created Healthforall Group, a network of medical sites, in association with several health professionals.
