Stamina InLine Back Stretch Bench Upper and Lower Back Stretcher - No Inversion Decompression Fitness Equipment - Up to 250 lbs Weight Capacity

This product really works. It helps relieves pain in your lower back if you're consistent with it. I used it once a week for 20 minutes when I had really bad lower back pain. Now, the pain isn't noticable, at times, I barely even feel it. It is also adjustable to fit all different height and extension lengths.Things to consider:1) Get a hip strap also, it really helps decompress that lower back even more. I purchased it separately on Amazon for $15.2) When releasing the lever, make sure to have your feet pressed up against the pads so it doesn't shoot back up your spine. VERY IMPORTANT***

I had been looking for something made along these lines, and this come pretty close. It definitely stretches the lower back. It is difficult to get up and down on the floor using this with a bad back. But in my opinion it's worth it. My complaints are that there is virtually no padding on the bench, and it's a tad short too, and I'm 5'5". I have to put a couple of pillows under my head. I have some problems with my arms getting numb. As for the foot piece, I take one foot out and push on the ankle bar with it when disengaging it. I wish it had more padding in the bench and the bench a little bit longer, then it would be a five stars.

I’ve had an L5-S1 disc herniation for almost eight years (4mm protrusion- apparently not a good surgical candidate). I’ve been dealing with constant psiatic pain since 2010. I go to physio and massage regularly but they only help temporarily. I tried decompression at physio but I questioned the value of using their stretch machine at $50 per session. This device gives me the same stretch - if not better as I can control it fully.I like to use this massager before bed, so that my stretched back can stay horizontal and deconpressedfor the night (a lumbar pillow helps maintain the pull). I usually lie on this bench for 15-30 minutes and wince through the pain, but it’s such a good pain. Pressure is taken off the pinched nerve fully, and I can feel my back loosening up the more I use it.I think it’s meant to be used on your back, but I find it’s more effective and comfortable lying on my stomach. I use a pillow and blanket to make it more comfortable, then I read a book or play with my phone while on it.A couple of suggestions...1. I read that the board is quite stiff and this is true. But I think it needs to be to do its job, and I don’t think it’s too uncomfortable.2. The foam pads are insufficient. I wrapped some packing foam around them and that seems to help.3. The foot pads are particularly uncomfortable. As you increase the stretch, more weight is placed on your ankles and it can hurt. Solution: use a soft blanket as a buffer, feels much better.4. The “armpit” pads could be a little taller. When on my stomach, they feel a little short and would hold me better if an inch or so longer. FYI if the manufacturer reads this. Small issue, bench still does the job as-is.I’m very pleased with my purchase and recommend this device to those suffering from disc herniation.

Background: ruptured a low back disc in 2016.Went through traction therapy with 2 different doctors, and different machines, dozens of times, over the course of 5 months.I’m familiar with traction/decompression.My back was aching after a strenuous job for several months. I thought this may be an option to spending $50 per session.I sincerely wish I had never considered it.I assembled the back stretch bench in the living room, as my wife looked on, and we chatted about how nice it would be if I could use this while traveling for work, as well.Once it was completely assembled, I set it for my height, and put my feet between the rollers, and the upper cushions under my armpits.Used the ratcheting mechanism to slowly extend the machine, and allow a moderate stretch, pulling at my ankles, and resisting with the cushions under my arms.But. When I released the tension, by pushing the ratcheting mechanism all the way down, the machine SNAPPED back to the original position!Think about a ratchet strap, pulled taut, then suddenly released.It was NOT smooth, gentle, or acceptable.“Oh! Ouch. Oof! That was rough!”My wife’s eyes were huge“Oh my god! Are you alright?”It was obvious that it was bad.My back and hip were sore immediately.I spent the rest of the evening on the floor, on ice and heat.The next day it was worse, and the day after that, I could hardly walk.That was almost 2 months ago, I’ve had terrible sciatica nerve pain down my left leg, in my thigh and the front of my shin ever since that night.It’s bad enough that I’ve decided to take a couple weeks off work to focus on healing, since it’s not getting better with time and chiropractic sessions.I tried to return it, but maybe the returns window closed already. Either way, there’s no option to return.Which means I’ve been injured, and I’m out the price of this product, I’ve had to pay for numerous chiropractic sessions in an attempt to solve the injury, AND I’m about to lose thousands of dollars because I need to take time off work.This item is Painful, leading to very expensive costs to offset its use.