At some point in our lives, most of us suffer from some type of back pain. Whether it's the result of an injury, a degenerative condition, or just poor posture, it can be seriously debilitating, even if only in the short term. Some cases require medication or surgery to treat, but for less severe pain, a back stretcher device can often provide relief. A stretcher helps elongate the spine and take the pressure off the spinal discs. Using it just twice a day for as little as five minutes per session is usually all it takes to see results, though it can take some time before you're entirely pain-free, depending on your condition.
Our buying guide provides the information to find the best back stretcher for your therapy sessions. At the end, we've included several specific product recommendations, like our top pick from CHISOFT, which allows for three stretch arch angles and can support up to 200 pounds.
Considerations when choosing back stretchers
Design
Considerations when choosing back stretchers
Back issues
Before you buy a back stretcher, it's important to consider your specific back issues. A stretcher can usually help stretch the lower, middle, and upper back depending on where you place it, but it can't necessarily treat all types of back pain. Back stretchers aren't FDA-approved, so you should always consult your doctor to make sure a stretcher is an appropriate treatment for your particular issue.
In general, a back stretcher can be effective for treating back pain associated with:
Bulging discs Degenerated discs Pinched nerves Arthritis Scoliosis Sciatica
Design
A back stretcher typically features one of two design types. Some have a flat, fixed base with a flexible band that forms an arch. Some arches are padded while others are not. You can find some models with a removable pad. This type of stretcher is adjustable because the arch is flexible, so it can be moved along slots to change the amount of stretching it does.
Other back stretchers only feature a single piece that's made of foam and shaped like a half-cylinder. You can't adjust the stretcher, but it's often textured for added stimulation.
Weight limit
Arch angle
Acupressure and massage
Weight limit
Back stretchers are usually made of either wood or plastic, so they're sturdy and durable. No matter how sturdy they are, they have a weight limit so you know exactly how much stress they can take. If you're fairly light, a 200-pound weight limit is usually fine. For men and larger people, opt for a 300-pound weight limit to be safe.
Features
Arch angle
Back stretchers can feature a variety of arch angles, which determines how deep a stretch they provide. A steep arch of 50 degrees provides a deep stretch, while a stretcher with an arch of 15 degrees lightly stretches your back. You can also find stretchers with more moderate arches if you prefer a medium stretch. Some back stretchers are also adjustable, so you're able to choose from several arch options as your needs change.
Acupressure and massage
Some back stretchers don't just stretch the back, they feature a textured surface with soft, rubbery spikes that help stimulate your back while it's stretched. Some claim to offer acupressure therapy by focusing on specific areas of the back that are believed to release pain-relieving energy.
A few back stretchers also have a massage function that provides vibrations that massage your back while you stretch it. These orthopaedic stretchers are usually the most expensive and require batteries for operation.
Q. Is it normal to experience pain when you use a back stretcher?
A few back stretchers also have a massage function that provides vibrations that massage your back while you stretch it. These orthopaedic stretchers are usually the most expensive and require batteries for operation.
Ease of assembly
A one-piece back stretcher doesn't require any assembly, so you can start stretching your back as soon as you take it out of the box. A two-piece stretcher requires some assembly, though in most cases it only takes a few minutes to put together.
Price
You can expect to spend between $20 and $100 on a back stretcher. Most orthopaedic stretchers go for $30 to $40 and feature padding, acupressure spikes, and an adjustable angle. If you want an option with a massage function, you likely have to pay $50 or more.
FAQ
Q. Is it normal to experience pain when you use a back stretcher?
A. When you first start to use a back stretcher, you may feel some pain. The more you use the stretcher, the less likely it is to happen. If you continue to feel pain or your pain increases, stop using the stretcher and consult your doctor.
Q. How long does it take to see benefits from a back stretcher?
Best of the best: CHISOFT's Back Stretcher
Best bang for your buck: North American Health + Wellness' Arched Back Stretcher
Q. How long does it take to see benefits from a back stretcher?
A. It depends on the reasons for your back pain. In some cases, you may feel better after a few stretching sessions. In other cases, it may take up to two months to feel the benefits. The key is to be patient and use the stretcher consistently.
Back stretchers we recommend
Best of the best: CHISOFT's Back Stretcher
Our take: A back stretcher that receives recommendations from many doctors thanks to its results and affordable price.
What we like: Can help relieve pain almost immediately. Has three different arch angles. Features acupressure spikes to soothe the muscles.
What we like: Can help relieve pain almost immediately. Has three different arch angles. Features acupressure spikes to soothe the muscles.
What we dislike: Causes back spasms for some users. Plastic parts can break sometimes.
Best bang for your buck: North American Health + Wellness' Arched Back Stretcher
Our take: A budget-friendly stretcher that isn't adjustable but can provide immediate relief and doesn't have any painful spikes.
What we like: An excellent back stretcher for beginners. Features a highly durable design. Doesn't contain any acupressure nodes that might cause pain.
What we like: An excellent back stretcher for beginners. Features a highly durable design. Doesn't contain any acupressure nodes that might cause pain.
What we dislike: Can increase back pain in some users. Doesn't provide a particularly deep stretch.
Choice 3: Bodyease's Back Stretcher
Our take: Features acupressure nodes and memory foam to provide a comfortable and effective back treatment.
What we like: Folds for easy portability. Works especially well to treat herniated discs. Memory foam provides a more comfortable treatment.
Memory foam provides a more comfortable treatment.
What we dislike: Isn't as durable as some users would like. Won't work with all chairs.
Memory foam provides a more comfortable treatment.
What we dislike: Isn't as durable as some users would like. Won't work with all chairs.
Jennifer Blair is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money. BestReviews never accepts free products from manufacturers and purchases every product it reviews with its own funds.
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