Teeter Hang Ups Spinal Stretch Back Stretcher

by Teeter Hang Ups

Product Features

• Compact and portable; 20 by 11.5 by 3.5 inches; weighs 4.5 pounds
• Comes with a nylon travel bag
• No assembly required; 100 percent pre-assembled
• Easy to set up and use
• 1-Year Warranty

Product Description

Amazon.com

Designed for those who need a portable decompression solution while at work or on the go, SpinalStretch is an effective way to decompress the lower spine and provide an easy and quick back pain solution anywhere. SpinalStretch also accommodates those who desire decompression but who are looking for an alternative to traditional inversion equipment. Teeter Back Stretchers are the solution for every inversion objection: compact, arrives 100 percent pre-assembled, has fewer contraindications and no rotation. A few minutes a day with SpinalStretch can help target the source of your lower back ache.

Features:

• Alternative to inversion; provides stretching without rotation
• 100 percent pre-assembled
• Provides relief to lumbar aches and pains,
• Rehydrates discs with vital nutrients,
• Reduces pressure on nerves,
• Encourages improved alignment of lumbar vertebrae
• Promotes improved flexibility in the lower back
• Compact and portable; folds neatly into an included nylon tote
• Ideal for travel; perfect for long plane rides; fits easily in a laptop roller bag
• Easy to set up and use:; just hook to door
• Comes with a nylon travel bag, chest belt for additional traction, and a user guide with instructional DVD

Specifications:

• Warranty: 1 year
• Packaged dimensions: 20 by 11.5 by 3.5 inches
• Packaged weight: 4.5 pounds

Product Description

A few minutes a day with SpinalStretch can help target the source of your lower back pain. Designed for those who need a portable decompression solution while at work or on the go, SpinalStretch is an effective way to decompress the lower spine and provide an easy and quick back pain solution anywhere. Relieve lumbar aches and pains, rehydrate discs, reduce pressure on nerves and promote flexibility with the convenient, portable SpinalStretch.

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 16 x 7 x 3.5 inches ; 4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B003BNZ1KC
• Item model number: SS-1001
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,505 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)
  • #1 in Sports & Outdoors > Exercise & Fitness > Strength Training Equipment > Back Machines

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A gentle option for lower back pain, June 2, 2010

By 

Diana De Avila "MS Gkygrl" (Malta, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Teeter Hang Ups Spinal Stretch Back Stretcher (Health and Beauty)

(What's this?)

I have a lot of issues with my spine (lower back facet syndrome as well as degenerative disc disease from the cervical vertabrae on down to the lumbar). My back pain can be complex and I have had facet joint shots which only work so much. I also use a Teeter Hang-ups Teeter EP-950 Inversion Table Complete Package at 60 degrees to get a decompression of my spine. I was curious to try this and see how well it would do comparatively.

I was pleasantly surprised. This DEFINITELY targets the lower back only (lumbar and sacrum). You will not get relief from thoracic (mid-back) or neck pain so you shouldn't expect that. That said, I put the SPINAL STRETCH to the test and here are my findings.

When you look at it, you may see something akin to a strange-looking torture device from the middle-ages. :) It isn't, so never fear. Once you get over that and figure out that the device is very well designed you will actually find an impressive and very portable traction machine. The SPINAL STRETCH is so well made and attention is given to every detail. I appreciate that very much when I am dealing with medical equipment. The SS comes with it's own storage bag and a DVD which explains exactly how to use it (using the ratchet mechanism and preparing for next use). The use of the system is very straight forward but it IS important that the user follows the proper ratcheting release instructions to free up the tension.

If I had one thing that I would mention about this system, it's that on the back of the waist belt I noticed a satin material versus the ribbed material used on the chest belt. I found that I slid a little more on carpet than I would have liked to and wondered why the SPINAL STRETCH was made with this satin backing versus the ribbed material used on the chest belt? Once looking at the item again and testing it out I thought that perhaps this could be used as an easy safety mechanism (to easily slide forward if the tension feels like it is too much).

It's a really beautifully well-made machine. Does it do as much as an inversion table? No, but it is meant to be a bit more gentle. The inventor is correct, inversion tables are not very attractive and they DO take up space. This offers a very, gentle pull on the lower back that actually feels very good. It's like taking a day of gravity off your lower back. Stretching with knees bent felt really, really relaxing. It feels safe, comfortable and is made very, very well. I was impressed more than I expected to be both with manufacture and performance. Plus, it's completely portable and stows easily.

A great option for people that don't have serious back issues. Take it slowly and enjoy a nice stretch. I'll look forward to using this when I want a gentle stretch versus hanging.

I love it. 5 stars.

UPDATE: I received a comment from Spinal Stretch about the satin material and here is the response which is enlightening

Diana,

"Spinal Stretch indeed has ribbed material on the chest belt and smooth material on the waist belt, and for good reason.

The smooth waist belt surface allows your lumbar region (low back) to stretch to the greatest extent possible, while the ribbed chest belt helps keep your thoracic (upper back) region anchored to the floor.

The combination of smooth and ribbed surfaces allows for maximum separation of the lumbar discs to promote lumbar disc rehydration.

If both belts had ribbed surfaces the product would not work as well."

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This really helps my sciatica!, May 26, 2010

By 

YogaKat "YogaKat" (Oregon United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Teeter Hang Ups Spinal Stretch Back Stretcher (Health and Beauty)

(What's this?)

This traction device is very well made and sturdy. I was pleasantly surprised on how good it made my back feel. I have been suffering from sciatica for quite some time. The instruction book is very easy to follow with clear illustrations. Although the equipment look complicated at first, it is quite easy to use. You need a comfortable area near a door or you can use the permanent hook included in the box. It should be on a carpeted surface as it requires friction to hold you in place. I have been using the chest strap which is made of heavy duty Velcro and a ribbed backing to grip the carpet to really hold you in place while the device tugs on your back.

The experience was so different than anything else I have experienced. I have an inversion machine, but this unit actually tilts up your pelvis which I don't get from my inversion machine. Rather that arching your back, it flattens and stretches and it's so cool that you can relax in that position. I could feel it all the way up into my middle back and it gave amazing relief! I slept so good the first night that my lower back and leg pain was diminished.

You should use this equipment 1-2 times per day for several weeks to really find the long-term effects. Stay in the stretch for 20-25 minutes and I recommend that once you release the tension, allow your back to relax flat for at least another 5-10 minutes. You should combine this with strength building, stretching or yoga, and other physical activities. See my other reviews on Amazon for some good exercise video suggestions.

This is just my first few days of using the equipment. I will continue to use on a daily basis and write back to this review on my progress and how it affects my sciatica. It is helping me and may or may not work for you depending on your condition. By the way, it's totally compact, portable, and only weighs 4 lbs!

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good alternative for those that doesn't like being upside down, June 8, 2010

By 

Gadget Geek - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Teeter Hang Ups Spinal Stretch Back Stretcher (Health and Beauty)

(What's this?)

I have always had back pain, stiffness and tightness in my back so I was excited to try the spinal stretch. Compared to a frestanding inversion table, I have to admit it takes longer to set up and is a little cumbersome but the device does the job. It does provide traction mostly to the lower back area. I didn't give the spinal stretch a higher rating because I had difficulty maintaining traction on the back during the entire time of use. because you are pulling yourself against friction from the floor, even with the additional friction pad that comes with it, I start to slide towards the anchor point and find myself needing to tighten up the system again. You have about 24" of strap to tighten up but in most of my sessions on the spinal stretch, i have had to reapply more more tension on it so frequently that I run out of strap and would have to stop, release the strap and start over.

The device itself is essentially a ratcheting strap system attached to an anchor point (door or permanent hook) and a pelvic harness. After you are straped into the harness and secure the anchor point, you slowly ratchet the system that essentially pulls you toward the anchor point. There is a heavy duty spring in the system to even out the tension when you are applying pressure and to reduce the risk of injury. As a note, make sure you physically move towards the anchor point to remove the tension in the system before releasing the ratchet strap other wise the system can quickly spring apart.

I can see where this product does have benefit, especially for those that doesn't like the feeling that you get from inversion tables or simply does not have room for a permanent fixture like an inversion table. Otherwise, I suggest getting an inversion table. I feel you get a better stretch throughout the entire back from an inversion table and those systems usually anchor around the ankles so they are much easier and quicker to get into and out of. The system does need about 8 linear feel of space from anchor point to the top of your head laying down so its doesn't take up less space than an inversion table, it is just easier to move out of the way.