5 Best Lower Back Stretch Machines: Buyer’s Guide

Lower back pain is one of the most common medical problems that many people experience. You might have felt this after carrying heavy objects or after a whole day of sitting by your desk. After doing some arduous tasks, our spine just needs to relax, release tension and reduce its stiffness.

Lower back stretch machines are an excellent and non-invasive treatment that can relieve your back pain. Not only does it help alleviate the pain, but it also increases the range of your movement. Plus, it can strengthen your back as well.

Lower Back Pain Overview: Causes and Treatments

Generally, lower back pain is categorized into three types: acute, sub-acute, or chronic. The pain may usually last for a couple of hours to weeks, depending on the case of your lower back. Unless there is a serious underlying issue behind it, the best thing to do is to give your lower back a good stretch. 

Numerous factors can cause lower back pain and one of them is your age. As people grow older, the strength in their back also deteriorates. That is why adults or older people are the ones who are most prone to this condition. Lower back pain may also be acquired at birth or through heavy labor that alters your normal spinal curvature. There are a lot of treatments and medication that can help you with this problem. However, you don’t necessarily have to go to a physical therapist every time you experience back pain. 

There are devices nowadays that can offer you a safe and effective solution within the comfort of your own homes, even simple ones, like an exercise ball and the like. In this article, you will know more about the lower back stretch machines — its benefits, and how it works. This article also includes the 5 best lower back stretch machines that you should consider if and when you are planning to purchase one.

Speaking of postures and back discomfort, if your job entails sitting for a long period, there are seat cushions that can help you reduce back pain. Check out this recommendation for the best seat cushions you might also be interested in. 

Why Using Lower Back Stretch Machines is Important

Since lower back pain is often just a result of the tension or stiffness in your lower spine, doing regular stretching is necessary for this muscle group. Sure, you can stretch on your own or copy some yoga poses on YouTube or other fitness sites. However, it is important to understand that particular muscle groups are impossible for you to stretch without the help of stretching machines.

One example would be the multifidus muscle, which stabilizes and holds the spine together. It is also the muscle that is usually associated with back pain that many people are experiencing. By using lower back stretch machines, there will be enough tension that can help you stretch this muscle. 

Aside from multifidus muscle, it can help you target and stretch other muscle groups in your spine. Hence, lower back stretch machines don’t only provide ease for lower back pain but also enhance your flexibility. 

Another important thing about lower back stretch machines is that it is also great for athletes, gym rats, or people with an active lifestyle. If you are planning to do high-intensity workouts or weight training, you need a stretch machine to prep your body. If you are an athlete, using it before engaging in extreme sports or activity is important. Lower back stretch machines will help you improve your range of motion and prevent injuries.

Other benefits of using lower back stretch machines include:

Boosts and Increases Blood Circulation 

Once the tension in your spine or muscles in the back are released and their stiffness is reduced, it’ll be easier for your blood to circulate and flow.

Improves Posture

If you spend most of your time sitting by the desk working or studying, muscles on both your upper and lower back become tight. By strengthening and loosening your muscles simultaneously using a back stretcher, your posture will improve.  

Maintains Healthier Joints and Reduces Muscle Soreness

Using lower back stretch machines will help improve your flexibility. Thus, enhancing or maintaining your joints’ health. If you previously had very intense weight training, using back stretch machines can also relieve the soreness in your back, especially in the lower area.

When carrying heavy objects, the tendency is that the muscles in your spine will contract and tighten. By stretching those stiff muscles, you are releasing the tension so the soreness is reduced.

Purchasing Lower Back Stretch Machines: Buyer’s Guide

There are numerous back stretchers and stretching equipment available in the market nowadays so purchasing one can be confusing and difficult for you. Fortunately, this blog will give you everything you need to know in choosing a lower back stretching machine, from how to fight pain relief to the recommended inversion table that’s perfect for your exercise needs and your budget. Here are some tips and guides that will surely help you in choosing one.

Comfort

This is one of the major things to consider when purchasing a back stretcher for pain relief. You want to make sure that the lower back stretch machine perfectly and comfortably fits your spine’s curvature. Refrain from choosing those that have a distorted frame as it can potentially cause discomfort and pain when used longer.

Additionally, it should allow your lower back to stretch while making you feel relaxed at the same time. It shouldn’t be too stretchy to a point that it already becomes uncomfortable for you. Opt for those stretch machines that have great cushions or are well padded because it feels a lot better to use. 

Weight and Height Capacity

You want to make the most out of your stretching machine purchase, so choose something that can support different body weights. In case any of your family members or friends would want to use it, it should be sturdy and durable enough to handle their weights.

Aside from weight, you should also consider the height of people who will use the product. The lower back stretch machine that you should purchase should include different length settings. That way, both short and tall people can be accommodated.

Adjustability

Continuous stretching will make your spine and back flexible overtime. That said, it is important to choose a back stretcher that offers different stretch intensities. It should include lower and high-intensity stretch settings that both beginners and more flexible people can use, regardless of the degree of pain relief required.

Convenience

Back pain can happen anywhere and at any time. If you do regular stretches, you would want something that you can easily carry around. Also, if you have a busy schedule, you need a stretcher that you can conveniently use during your spare time. The lower back stretch machine that you should purchase shouldn’t be too bulky or heavy for you to carry around.

Talking about convenience, you may also use a support belt if you think it would not be possible to use a stretcher. It can also help reduce and relieve your lower back pain and you can just wear it inside your clothes. If you’re interested, you can check the 5 best support belts for lower back pain featured on our site.

Cost

This, too, is important especially for people who are on a tight budget. You don’t always have to choose the most expensive lower back stretch machine to make sure that it is effective. There are a lot of products in the market right now that are superior compared to others but at a more affordable price.

Contrastingly, if you want to save some money, make sure that when you choose a product, you don’t compromise its quality. If you purchase cheap ones, it might cost you more because it is not durable. What you should remember is to always be wise and critical in choosing not only a back stretcher, but also other products you will purchase in the future.

Best Lower Back Stretch Machines: 5 Top Picks

Let us now take a look at the 5 best lower back stretch machines you might be interested in.

IRONMAN Gravity 4000 Highest Weight Capacity Inversion Table

IRONMAN is one of the most promising brands for inversion tables in the market right now, and this one is, yet again, one of their best products. For those who don’t know, inversion therapy is done with an inversion table like this, which works by suspending a person upside down for a couple of minutes. Inversion table therapy can help reduce the pressure on the muscles and spine to relieve back pain. Interested in inversion tables? Check out the reviews we made for the 7 best inversion tables in the market today. 

If you are looking for an effective, safe, and comfortable back pain solution, this Gravity 4000 is a great choice. In terms of effectiveness, this one is proven by users to alleviate back stress and pain as seen from reviews. Its removable lumbar pillow and memory-foam vinyl-covered backrest provide maximum comfort and relaxation for the lower back.

It is further made with durable and scratch-resistant material so it is very sturdy and will surely last you a long time. Another great thing about it is that it has a weight capacity of up to 350 lbs. Hence, it can support and handle people of different weights. 

Special features:

• Rubber non-skid stabilizers
• Allows up to 180 degrees inversion
• Ergonomic ankle cushions
• Foldable for easier storage

North American Health + Wellness Back Stretcher

If you are always on the go, you need a product that will provide a quick stretch for your lower back. Unlike the previous one, this back stretcher is much simpler but still gives a great stretch and pain relief. It features an innovative design that effectively soothes back pain and muscle tension. Not only does this help reduce tension and pressure in your back, but it also helps maximize the user’s flexibility. That is why it is great for people who are suffering from spinal arthritis, stress fractures, and other back and spine problems.

In terms of comfort, this back stretcher includes firm padding that provides a relaxing stretch and therapeutic results. Since it has a smaller size and is lightweight, you can bring and use this anywhere — in the car, in your office, or whenever you think is most convenient.

Special features:

• Firm and comfortable padding
• Innovative arch design
• Light-weight
• Affordable

Guwell Heating Lower Back Stretcher and  Massager

Now, if you’re looking for a lower back machine that provides more than just stretching, this product is perfect for you! However, this may be a little expensive because it offers more features compared to traditional back stretchers.

What’s great about this is that it is equipped with advanced heating and an adjustable vibration function. Hence, it doesn’t just help relieve back pain but also provides warmth and gentle massage to your muscles.

Unlike the usual heating technology, this one utilizes infrared that gives more soothing and relaxing effects to your back. It also allows the user to adjust the heat according to their liking as it has three options available: low, middle, and high. It comes with a remote control that allows users to adjust the settings according to their preference for a better experience.

Special features:

• Lumbar traction
• 3-level heating options
• 2-level automatic massage modes
• Vibration massage

Soft Touch Lumbar Stretcher

Like the previous one, this lower back stretcher is great for those who want an immediate and easy back pain solution. It features firm acupressure nubs that stretch and massage stiff muscles on your spine and back. It also provides great relief for neck pain, sciatic pain, and upper body. Plus, it helps in improving and correcting your posture.  You can also use this product to warm-up before you do your yoga or other workouts. 

Special features:

• Easy-to-clean EVA foam
• Convenient and travel friendly
• Comes with two massage balls

Belmint Back Stretching Electric Mat

This last product is probably an expensive pick. However, this one is a good investment and definitely worth your money if you’re suffering from chronic pain and require pain relief.

This back stretching electric mat provides indispensable relief not just for lower back pain but for all back pain types. Through the innovative designs of yogi masters, this back stretching device machine effectively targets a specific acupuncture point on your back. It offers 4 automatic stretching functions that will help your neck, shoulder, and back muscles decompress and relax.  

Moreover, it features hassle-free use and operation. All you have to do is to lie down on this electric mat, fold your leg, grab the controller, choose a mode and enjoy a relaxing massage and precise stretches.

Special features:

• User-friendly controller
• Foldable and easy-to-carry design
• 4 automatic stretching functions: stretch, twist, energize and flow
• Adjustable stretch and massage intensity levels

Conclusion

Back stretches, or stretches in general, provide great benefits for our body. After a long day of activity or inactivity, you must take time to do some simple stretches, including arm, leg, and whole body. Doing these back stretches on your own is great. But sometimes you will need something that can help you with getting stretching exercise done, especially if you are suffering from discomfort or poor posture and need some pain relief.

Although there is already a wide range of products offered in the market right now, not all of them are created with the same quality. Hopefully, this guide will help you choose a lower back stretch machine that will suit your needs and budget.