Customer Reviews

North American Healthcare JB4866 Arched Back Stretcher

5 star:		(84)
4 star:		(49)
3 star:		(32)
2 star:		(16)
1 star:		(14)

 

 

This item looked interesting so I thought I'd give it a try. It arrived in just a few days, and I pulled it out of the box along with the one-page instruction sheet. The instructions aren't too extensive, but give you a general idea of what to do. In a nutshell, you lay on it. :)

So I put it on the floor and laid on it like in the picture. It really didn't look like it would do much, I guess because the arch didn't seem that high- but boy was I wrong- this thing really stretches your back! In fact its downright deceiving how much of a stretch one actually gets.

But that's not the end of the story. I, like others, found several things out right away. First, you'll need a pillow to support your head. I don't know how the lady in the picture is able to tolerate that position- maybe its one of those CPR dolls you practice on? Without a pillow, your head tilts back and can make you a little dizzy. A therapist told me that this is because your vertebral arteries (which help get blood to your head) "thread" through your neck vertebrae, and in some people, when you tilt your head back too much/too long, they can get pinched somewhat which can decrease the flow of blood to your head and make you a little dizzy- so just be careful and grab a pillow before you lay down.

The other thing I found out is that you have to "play around" with the positioning. For some people who are really tight, they'll just lay down and hit it right the first time- but this won't be everybody. Expect to spend a few minutes tinkering around with it (by sliding it up and down which is easy to do) to find your sweet spot- that being where its most comfortable/where you feel the best stretch. Those who just throw the thing on the floor and just lay on it expecting miracles to happen might be a little disappointed with the product.

The back popping thing. A therapist also told me that this happens when the tiny joints in your back seperate a little- same as when you pop your knuckle. This is a good thing because the "pop" usually brings pain relief for a lot of people. And since the pop means that the joint has seperated a bit, that stretches the joint capsule (the tissue around the joint) and that means you're actually loosening things up as well. Probably the best way to get the pop is to bring your knees up towards your chest as you're laying on the extender, OR you can try laying on it, and get your feet/knees into the position like you're going to do a sit up, and then roll your knees together either to the left or right down to the floor. In any event, don't force anything, and some people's back are simply harder to pop than others depending on how/where they're tight. Either way you're still stretching out your back. And don't forget you can also lay on the extender ON YOUR SIDE too.

A sturdy piece of equipment, and professionally upholstered in my opinion, Arched Back Lumbar Stretcher Extender, Model# 83-4866V should benefit many if used properly. One note though. The extender will stretch, relax your back, and make it more flexible- but it won't do anything to strengthen it. For that, suggest Treat Your Own Spinal Stenosis for some good back exercises.

Bought this product a few days ago from this company through Amazon. Delivery was quick, and price is great. There are a couple others I saw on Amazon that look similar, but appear to be constructed of bare metal, and are over three times the price of this one. This one's shape is similar, and it is padded and professionally upholstered. For 20 bucks, I figured I'd try it. The instructions are a little vague, you're supposed to lay on your back, with this device under your back, and stretch out with your hands over your head, yet it does not say what to do with your legs. (There is a picture that shows a woman with her legs outstretched as well) however, I found it fairly uncomfortable to have legs outstretched, almost seemed that legs should be bent at the knees slightly. Just lying and stretching out didn't seem to help me at all and at first, I was disappointed. (I had a dull pain on the lower right side of my back, which I often get, and after this first use, found no change in my back. This was early morning. An hour or so later, I decided to try it again. This time, I laid with the arch under my back and positioned the arch so that the pain in my back was in contact with where I felt the most comfortable pressure from the device. (You simply slide the device forward or backward to achieve this). Then, with a pillow positioned under my head, I stretched out like before (hands over head, but this time, after stretching out, I bent my knees, brought them up together towards my chest(like in a sitting position, except I was laying on my back on the floor), and then slowly lowered my legs and extended them out, and CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!, I could just feel the pops and cracks going down my spine. Repeated this a couple times, and then I got up. The dull lower back pain was gone and stayed gone rest of the day. Later in the evening, after some yard work, pain reoccurred, so I used it again and repeated the process, and again with the cracks and pops, and it felt great once again. Amazing to me. I do go to a chiropractor, and I love the results I get there, but it's expensive, and this seems to be great for in-between treatments, or hopefully to increase time between treatments.
Either way, it's great to have something around the house to relieve the pain whenever I need it. Super deal, for the money, I highly recommend it.
My experience so far has been only positive. I wrote such a lengthy review to detail the procedure I discovered that helped me, in the hopes that if others who purchase this product don't see results from simply stretching out like in the instructions, they might benefit from the method I described above. It helped me, I hope it helps you too. Good luck.

I wasn't sure which neck support would be best for my neck pain, so I bought both of them.

Both products have their plus & minus but on balance I prefer the Therapeutic Neck Support by North American Healthcare over the Dr. Riter's Real-Ease Neck & Shoulder Relaxer.

The TNS by NAH looks like the NECK AND BACK STRETCHER
Other Get Organized products so they may be the same. I don't know.

http://www.amazon.com/Get-Organized-Therapeutic-Neck-Support/dp/B001L7NV02/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1260581099&sr=8-11

The TNS is more stable, it doesn't rock as easily as the Real-Ease Neck Relaxer.
It is also a bit firmer (ie the cushion feels like it supports the normal lordotic curvature of the cervical spine). The downside for some may be that it may feel too firm, but that firmness is what set it apart from the Real-Ease product. After 15-20 minutes of resting on it, I did feel less pain in my neck. The Real-Ease is quite soft, very relaxing but I didn't feel it was therapeutic. It does rock very easily, so if one falls asleep laying on it, there may be a risk of rocking to the side abruptly. This risk can be mitigated by slipping a small roll shaped pillow or rolled towel under the plastic tongue in the front.
Overall, both appear to be quality products in my opinion.

I had been using a towel rolled up for many years to support my neck for 20 minute intervals as needed per the suggestion of my chiropractor years ago. The towel works fine but I don't always get the right thickness and have to play around with it and it is messy to leave it laying around. I was looking for a neck suppport that would do what the towel but with more accuracy so I could just get to the relaxation part.

The Theraputic Neck Lumbar Support is stable and seems to provide just the right amount of tilt and support as I like when using the towel in the ultimate position. It is priced very well so not a big investment and it is small enough to stash just about anywhere around the room. There is an ever so slight side to side play in the neck while laying on the support as compared to using a towel but I really don't think it affects anything - it is just that I noticed the towel holds my entire head fairly still without much room to move sideways. I am happy with my product and I think the the designers did a great job making a product that does exactly what you need it to do without a bunch of bells and whistles.

Like another reviewer, I have this and the Real-Ease neck support, I like them both, and have the same comments (i.e., this one is firmer and the Real Ease is softer and less stable). This "Therapeutic Neck Support" is great because doesn't wobble and it is more discreet looking if you want to keep it somewhere where it might be seen. Probably even fits under the couch, so you can take it out and use it when your neck needs relaxing. I use it a lot; highly recommended. (I even sleep with it sometimes along with my Back Magic, which is probably not recommended but sure feels good and hasn't caused any problems.)

Arched Back Lumbar Stretcher Extender, Model# 83-4866V

I have many dessicated (dried up) disks and quite a few herniated disks in my back, so I fight with pain all the time and see the chiropractor frequently.

I first saw a similar unit on a TV infomercial, but it was pricey. So I found this. At that time there were no reviews on this unit, but there were reviews on similar ones. I bought this one because it has the padding and I'm glad I bought it instead of the others without padding. It is light weight, portable, and esy to handle.

I have wiggled on this, turned it both directions, pulled my knees up (one at a time and both together), slid it up high and down low, put my hands above my head and down at my sides, bent my knees with feet flat on the floor, and stretched my legs out straight. I've also laid on my sides with it. I'm sorry to report that it didn't ever cause my back to crack or pop.

If I want my low back to pop, I sit on the floor with my right leg straight. I cross my left foot over my right knee and place it flat on the floor with my left knee bent and pointing toward the ceiling. Then I rotate my trunk to put my right shoulder/elbow on the left side of my left knee, and turn toward behind me with one hand braced on the floor and stretch. Then reverse. That will often cause my bones to pop.

This stretcher relieves my pain. I usually do stretching exercises first. Then I lay with the high point under my shoulder blades first, then under my low back second. The best part for me is when I hurt, any time of night or day I can get relief right away in just minutes without needing anyone else's help. I often lie on the stretcher first thing in the morning and last thing at night. I usually use it on the living room rug, but I've also used it both on the couch and the bed, so if you can't get on and off the floor easily you can still try this.

The tricky part for me is getting my muscles to let go and relax, and stay relaxed, so I concentrate on that. When you relax it puts your back into a mild traction.

When you are finished laying on this, roll to your side off it and then get up. If you try to sit straight up you may strain your back.

This unit is very flexible and I think if you experiment with it, you will most likely find a way to get some immediate pain relief. My son tried mine out and liked it so much he said he wanted one, so I got him one for his birthday and he was delighted. A friend of mine also tried mine out and liked it, and he's had back surgery.

If I lost mine would I buy another? You bet! I deffinitely recommend it. It's a simple but brilliant idea.

I spend hours each day in front of a computer. I don't always take breaks to stretch like I should. The lumbar stretcher is wonderful! It helps me stretch, relax, and truly eases the tension in my shoulders and back. I also have bad shoulders; I've injured both rotator cuffs and have to be very careful how I move my shoulders. The lumbar stretcher instructions advise the user to stretch the arms over the head. Since I started using the stretcher at least twice a day, I have noticed an improved range of motion, and an ease of motion, in my shoulders with less pain. I highly recommend this product to anyone who sits for long periods each day.

I was hopeful that it would help my back pain, but wasn't betting the house on it. I mean, it only cost $25 so how effective could it be? BOY! Was I ever wrong. After the first couple of uses I saw a big relief. Now when I find my back getting a little tight and achy I lay down and stretch my back. Plus I use it every night before I got to bed and find I have no more painful nights. This is like having my own chiropractor or something. I LOVE IT..... Thank you, thank you, thank you.

This stretche goes everywhere with me in my suitcase. It does not break and after a long day it definitely does miracles on my back!

I love this product. I tried the Back-Worx which was uncomfortable and hard to align the spine. I use this at the end of the day and when I go to play golf. You just lay back and stretch, you will feel the pops very fast in the back and chest. I usually stretch for about ten minutes, feels great and highly recommend it.