Everlasting Comfort Back Stretcher for Lower Back Pain Relief - Adjustable Spine Decompressor, Lumbar Support, Back Pain Relief Products, with 88 Acupressure Nodes and Memory Foam Pad - Back Cracker

I get a really good stretch with this both in my lower and upper back. However it is a bit flimsy. When I lay on it, it does bend and I'm only 195lbs.

I've been seeing a chiropractor for years for several problems, and my back always hurts in one way or another, especially the base of my lower back. I've tried all kinds of stretchers, exercisers, and physical therapy over the years, and almost nothing I bought helps. But this Everlasting Comfort® Back Stretcher really does help relieve the pain! It takes 30 secs to put together and is super easy to use, the directions are great. The only negative is that when you lay down it feels like it's going to break. That give could totally be just how it works, but it makes me tense up for a bit when the point is to relax on it. Otherwise, I'm really impressed with this thing!

For me this was an excellent purchase. It relieved my aching back pain after one use, got a nice pop after a couple minutes. In 1980 I was in serious car wreck and went to physucal therapy for many months. I used a similar "back cracker" like this back then. I even use this one while sitting as I tend to slump now I'm elderly. I love it. Thank you for a good product.

Update: I was about to move from 3 to 4 stars, then I remembered I paid about double to get one of these with the "made-for-it" memory foam pads attached. That being said, use it without the padding... much more useful tool. Everything mentioned below is accurate and pertinent still. Its more likely to give out and do nothing useful at the first notch... Learning through experience. I still assume its great for average sized people. If you're tall/big or (I assume short/small), find something that isn't one size fits all. Whenever I attempt to really stretch out my lower back, it just caves in on itselfOriginal:As the title says, its a one-size fits all made for the average person. From that perspective, it fills its role.That being said, the main foam padding was compressed and basically useless on arrival - hopefully readjusts to have a purpose over time out of the shipping packaging.Further, for me personally, it just isn't quite big enough. Having only one size I'm not sure how they could better serve a global population - outside having multiple sizes.That being said there are positions that are still great, and its a valuable tool, but one, I'm able to make it intentional for one portion of my back, and two, if I make it lower back, I can feel the material giving/shifting under my weight, rather than being something that holds firm to force my back to stretch.All that being said, I see the value enough to keep it, and this review is coming from an athletically built 6'2" 230lb man - I doubt my complaints will translate to the broader population. Just ya know, if you're a bigger guy like me, there are probably solutions made for us that are far better suited than this. Maybe not too...The memory foam pad is a great touch, but seems to completely eliminate the value of the "acupuncture points" on the hard plastic portion of the device.

I was scared to use this but I’m on day 2 and this thing has already made a difference. The first day I used it felt just like my first chiropractor adjustment. I used it yesterday and today I was able to stand at church without the pain and it’s amazing what this small thing can really do.

Many of us spend much of our day with our back in flexion or with the upper body leaning forward, such as when we slouch in a chair. This allows the abdominal muscles to relax, contract and become shorter over time pulling the upper body forward and increasing the stress on the lower back muscles to compensate.The purpose of this product is to put the back into extension, or increase the arch in the lower back. This creates a very significant stretch in the muscles around the core and is not very pleasant. However, the benefits may be seen later when you notice movements that used to hurt, don't hurt as bad or at all. I've been using this about 2 weeks, and pain that I used to feel in my left leg when bending forward is gone and my low back pain after long periods of standing is noticeably less. I try to use it at least once each day for one or two, two minute sessions.The arch setting is adjustable to 3 different positions. I suggest the lowest position to begin with. This puts the least stress on the back and allows the body to become familiar with the product. When this becomes easy then move to the middle position. It's not easy to do, but you will get the most benefit if you can relax and allow the shoulders and tailbone to sink toward the floor.As for sturdiness, the arch is made of a flexible plastic. I can feel it give when I first lay on it, but it seems to regain its shape when I get correctly positioned. I weigh only 170 pounds. I can't say how it would perform for someone who weighs 220.For comfort there is generous padding on the arch. The center has a cushioning strip of rubber for the backbone. There is also an additional cushion which can be placed on the arch. Both can be used or removed as desired.Expect this product to cause discomfort during use due to the stretching of the core muscles. This should quickly subside after you finish your session and the back returns to a normal position. If the pain continues for more than a few minutes, I would suggest discontinuing use of the product. It is great to stretch tight muscles, but may be counterproductive if there is some structural issue with the spine. If you have any doubts talk with a medical professional.

One should be flexible.

At first I wasn’t sure about this product. I had to review it for something but as time went on and I used it more, I like the stretch I feel in my back and it really helps alleviate some back pain for me. It wasn’t expensive and it stores neatly under my desk.