Customer Reviews

Teeter Hang Ups Spinal Stretch Back Stretcher

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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."

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!

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.

Spinal Stretch is everything it claims to be. Just with the use of a closed door (or presently install it with the thick eye-hook), you can simply lay down and crank a stretch in your lower back. The short DVD and instruction manual makes this easy to figure out. And it does loosen those tight discs and makes your lower back feel lighter. You do need to be on a rug with sneakers, as you'll find the device will pull your entire body closer to the door each time you ratchet up with the handle crank. I've gone to the chiropractor on a regular basis for this kind of relief.

However, this product is for the lower back only and does nothing for the upper back or neck. If you want to get a nice soothing stretch for these areas, I suggest you purchase an Inversion Table, specifically the Body Max IT6000 Inversion Therapy Table, which is less expensive and I love mine. I'd also admit that the Spinal Stretch is a bit pricey for the results, but if your lower back is in that much need of decompression, you might not quibble over a few dozen dollars. I'd also consult your doctor about any of these machines as they might not be appropriate for you.

If you are able to lie down on the floor and have access to a clossed door or a staircase and the area is carpeted then so far this is for you. Female, I'm 59 have been through surgery L5-S1 distectomy. I also have 2 other herniations which are inoperable. I have an intrathecal pump and am on a lot of medication. With all of the above I still suffer a great deal of sciatic nerve pain. Being a chronic pain patient I had been looking for equipment to help me out with all of the pressure I was having on my lowing back.

The SPINAL STRETCH Portable Back Pain Relief machine is easy to use. There's a cd that comes in the box. Follow the instructions and you will feel a difference. The equipment is made of sturdy material; no cheap stuff here. The diagram is exactly what you'll get. Easy to carry. Easy to work with. Well worth the money and more importantly it does what it says it is supposed to do = releve pressure and stretch apart the lower vertebrae. I've been using the SPINAL STRETCH every day for 15 minutes. Benefits take place over a long period of time. If you're looking for an instant fix, this is not for you.

Rather than write a hasty review for this item I wanted to see if there was any long term use for it or if it would just be a quick release, no long term benefit kind of deal. Well I am happy to say that I feel much better after about a month of use. Now there are some caveats to this device that I would like to get out of the way. While the device does seem odd and destined to fail, it does stretch the back and offer some good relief, but only for the lower back. The device does include a chest strap but that doesn't really affect anything but the lower back still and instead just seems to increase the resistance. So if you have anything beyond lower back pain I do not feel that this product would be right for you and perhaps instead you should look into purchasing an inversion table. But for lower back pain and I can attest that this device does help alleviate it, at least it did for me. And due to its small size and portability, it's definitely a good choice for people who don't want something taking up a lot of room in their house or for people on the go and/or traveling. The design of the device is, like I said, odd and you'll know what I'm talking about when you open it. I was leery of using it because the spring portion that attaches to the closed doorway and provides the tension was aimed at a very sensitive area so should it decide to suddenly recoil and break free of the doorway, I would be in a lot of pain, but after using it several times I can say that it definitely stays in place. So this is a definitely a well thought out product and I have already received a lot of use out of it. Just too bad it only helps the lower back.

I sit in an office chair for the majority of the day, and found myself with lower back and neck pain. While this won't do anything for the neck, it is otherwise a great option, especially since its portable and easy to use anywhere.

The general idea of it is easy to understand. It helps to lengthen out your spine, so your lower spinal discs can rehydrate and expand, instead of being in the crushed, parched state they're usually in.

Simple to use, all you need is a doorway and carpet. If you have hardwood floors, this is useless, because you need the traction. Besides helping a great deal with the lower back aches I have, it also gives you an excuse to wind down and relax your body for 15-20 minutes a day. If you apply a yoga state of mind, relaxing your body limb by limb, you'll feel great when your 20 minutes of the spinal stretch is up.

Though I personally prefer my inversion table because it helps with my greatest issue which is my neck, this is a superb product and very usable.

I have a terrible back and have tried every therapy known to humankind (I exaggerate).I have one of those inversion tables but when I use it I feel like I'm going to have a stroke with all the blood rushing to my head. You put this device on, stick it in a door, lay back and crank down on the ratcheting device. You can feel your spine extend. Tow bad things happened to me while using this that were my fault. First, my back was "out" and I was in great pain. I was using this device and it was really helping to relieve my pain. Then I sneezed. I thought I was going to pass out from the pain. So, if your back hurts when using this device, don't sneeze. Second, I neglected to tell my wife I was on the other side of the door using the stretcher. She opened the door and the device let go and that really hurt, too. So be sure to use a door you have control over. I use this 2-3 times a week and it's something that really works for me. It's much better than hanging upside down. It's a brilliant device and very easy to use. Thanks folks!

I am skeptical of everything. Even if it works I still wonder if it was a coincidence. But I've found that the Spinal Stretch does indeed help my lower back and has done so over and over. My back gets sore quite often and I do stretches at the gym to help it. I found that the SS gives a lot of relief. I can feel it working while using it, and can feel the results the next day.

A lot of times I can feel when my back is going to get sore. Then I'll use the SS and it won't get sore. I'm really glad that it does work. I've had an inversion table and it never gave me much relief. I did make me feel goofy from being upside down. I got rid of the table because it wasn't worth the space it took up. I will be keeping the Spinal Stretch and using it.

I think if you've got lower back pain and have tried a lot of things, the Spinal Stretch is worth a shot. I know there are a lot of things sold on TV that end up being scams, but I'm a real person and this really worked for me.

Items to Note:

- For the Lower Back only

- I needed to watch the setup video a couple of times to get it right. Once you figure it out, it's not that hard to set it up.

- It is well made and sturdy. You get a nice carrying case.

- It does look weird and feel weird when you are doing it the first few times.

I will put a video review of the Spinal Stretch soon, but I thought I'd take a moment to post my initial thoughts. I've had a miserable back most of my life. Two things consistently make it feel better: core strengthening (pilates is my torture of choice) and stretching. I have a number of different products designed to stretch my back, but this is the first one that feels like traction (that's actually a good thing!)

Once you're in it and have it properly adjusted, it provides a very focused stretch to my mid- to lower-back. No twisting or bending, just a straight, gentle, even pull on my back. Obviously, the longer I lay there, the more relaxed my back feels. After I'm through, I release the tension and lay there a bit longer just to let my back "recover." When I get up, the normal stiffness in my back is gone and I feel very comfortable.

This is a really good product and it seems to work very well for me. The only downside is that it is very "gadget-y." There are numerous belts and what seems like yards of velcro you have to adjust, then there's the "ratcheting." Once you're belted in, tension is created by pumping a ratchet to shorten the distance between the belt and the door where it's hooked. It's very similar to the ratchet-straps they use to tie a refrigerator to a dolly. If you over-tighten it, you pretty much have to sit up, release the ratchet completely and start again. There seems to be no ability to make fine adjustments once you're in it... at least I couldn't find a way to adjust it incrementally looser or just a tad tighten. If anyone knows of a way, please leave a comment here.

So, all in all, I really appreciate the relief this device gives me, but I'm a patient person who actually enjoys tinkering with gadget-y things. I would advise anyone considering it to weigh the potential relief it can provide (which in my case is considerable) against whether you have a tendency to become frustrated by gadget-y things.

I'll put the video up in the next week or so. Check back.