North American Healthcare Ideaworks Back Stretcher

This arrived today (very promptly) so I can only record my initial experigence. It is solidly made and comfortably padded. Following the brief instructions enclosed, I placed it under my back and lay down on a carpeted floor with my head on a pillow. Although I am used to toning machines, I was taken by surprise by the amount of stretch this fairly gently arch provided. As I lay, I could feel muscles stretching which haven't been stretched like that for years! WhenI got up (I could only cope for a few minutes), there were no ill-effects, though I'm 68 and have a back that goes into chronic spasm. In the evening, I used it again and found it a lot more comfortable. The stretch I had in the morning obviously achieved something. I even did a few abdominal exercises while lying on it, strengthening my core. I will persist for a few days and then update this review, but my initial impression is favourable. I feel that using this gadget is bound to increase mobility in my back because it is awakening muscles that haven't been stretched for a very long time. It makes a great supplement to my regular exercise routine. Most exercises bend the back forwards, stretching the muscles with the back rounded; this gadget stretches them in another direction, making exercise more complete and releasing knots. I felt tugs and clicks as this happened, yet I have no discomfort afterwards. There is a gap in this gadget where the spine lies, so there is no undue pressure on it. It appears to align the hip joints correctly and improve posture while undoing muscle spasm. I've started to enjoy using it.One week after posting the above review, I can say definitely that this device is strengthening my back and reducing pain. Today, I did a couple of hours' gardening, for the first time for many months. When I had finished, my back was stiff, sore and very tired. I lay on the back stretcher and, as on the first day I used it, I felt such discomfort that it was as though someone had kicked me in the back! A few minutes later, my muscles had relaxed and I felt very comfortable there on the floor. I could have drifted off to sleep. When I got up again (not easy!) my back was fine.A week has gone by and I can now say that this is a great gadget and I would not be without it. This morning, I went to the gym and then gardened for a couple of hours. My back was sore and stiff. I used my back stretcher, had the usual feeling of having been kicked and then, blessedly, my muscles stretched and relaxed and when I got up after a few blissful moments, my back was not aching.I'm pushing 70 and have back trouble. I can get up and down (with an effort) and can recommend this device to others of similar age and fitness level (moderate).

Feels good and looks good. My back did not crack or stretch as much as other reviews say. I guess my back wasnt that bad. But it does stretch stretch your back out i can feel that so if you do have a really bad back this would prob crack it and stretch with relief.

What an amazing piece of kit...how can something so simple produce such fantastic results so quickly? I received this 4 days ago and felt the benefit after the first use. It was painful (still is - but it's a good pain!) to begin with but oh my! It has corrected my posture and I am standing tall (instead of hunched as is my norm!) and can already bend my back better than I have been able to for many years.I have thoracic pain in my back for which I had physio a few years ago. I was given a list of exercises to do to keep the muscles in my back loose but found many of them hard to fit into a busy schedule...this amazing little device stretches all these muscles perfectly in a few minutes. It also appears to be stretching my abs which is an added bonus. When I get back ache I lay on this for a few minutes and the back ache is relieved. No more need for endless painkillers and heat pads! Best £12 I've spent in a long, long time! A very happy customer! :)

What a great bit of kit. Would recommend to anyone and everyone. I slouch so badly, whether I'm sitting or standing I'm usually slouching and by the end of the day I reckon I'm a couple of inches smaller! This really helps me get a decent stretch. I've got foam rollers and other stretch aids but I really felt like I needed something I could completely relax whilst using, so that I wouldn't tense some muscles to help me move or keep me stable....this was exactly what I was looking for. I didn't know if it worked but I knew I wanted to try so I ordered it, and I'm so so glad I did. It was even better than expected. So comfortable and easy to use and so so good for you. Honestly couldn't recommend this enough and really think all would benefit from using one. The seller is also great, helped me out when the delivery was messed up by Royal Mail (no fault of the seller). Would buy from this seller again and love the quality and design of this product. Thank you.

This product is not for the faint hearted, bought for my husband who has a bad back. They are not joking when they say it's a Back Stretcher! I personally would check with your GP before using this. But It is well made and sturdy and does what it is supposed to!

I got one of these 4 years ago for my Mum who has suffered from back pain for years and was in her late 70's. She tried it and was always telling me how her back had never been so good. She was also delighted when her doctor advised her that she was 3/4 inch taller! She is now taller than she was when she was 20. As my husband started getting back ache and I'd had a few twinges my Mum suggested we give her back stretcher a try. We were so impressed we decided to buy one for ourselves. Ours came without any instructions and not in a box (same seller), so if you were new to it you wouldn't have a clue how to use it without looking for something online. For something like this I think instructions are very important as you may end up doing more harm than good. The item itself looks the same as hers and has the same effect. For anyone using it for the first time I would ease into it gently. When you first try it it seems painful. I found if you start with your knees up and after about 30 seconds straighten your legs this isn't so bad. Then gradually put your arms over your head. I wouldn't do it for long periods but try several shorter periods instead. It certainly makes a difference.

arrived open in a damaged box , the postal bag was fine it came with no instructions.......it is despite the padding very uncomfortable and difficult to use to high and gave me an immediate pain in the back, none of the 5 pointers were correct for me, might be ok for some sitting in a chair or fit and subtle ... to add insult to injury the seller charges for returns

Et bien ça marche; un peu septique au moment de l achat, ce produit permet de bien étirer son dos et pour moi de faire craquer certaines vertèbres un peu rouillées; pas indispensable mais ça fonctionne.

Good for stretching back but fails to help align spine due to excessive padding over open space for the spine. Cannot direct correct spine position due to being so soft. May get better as it ages but for now it is good for daily stretching. I feel there may be better options in the search for these units.