topic Re: Lo-Bak Trax in Wellness

Lo-Bak Trax

Moonchilde — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 20:24:09 GMT

Does anyone have one?

I realized that from the description it's pretty much made for people like me, with the multiple specific problems I have, so I bit the bullet and ordered one. Although there are people who say it didn't do anything for them, most of the reviews here and on Amazon say it has helped.

I've already shelled out $$ in the past year for a "corset" back belt, a device specifically for piriformis syndrome that costs alot more than the Lo-Bak Trax, and many sessions of PT - none of which ultimately worked, so what's a few bucks more. Sigh.

The particular back belt I have is a PITA to deal with and only gives me about an extra 45 min without pain. A different one might be more helpful but I've been reluctant to spend more $$ on one. The piriformis device was bizarrely complicated to get "right", especially with arthritis, and I was never sure I did. It didn't feel like I was getting any stretch. The PT worked for 24 hrs and back to square one, each time. Home exercises, same thing - I doubt I was doing them 100% correctly so kinda pointless if you're doing them wrong.

This contraption seems pretty foolproof as far as position and all that - only one general way to use it, simple and obvious, though it can be tweaked for different spots in the back. It also seems as if you almost couldn't use it absolutely "wrong."

Anyone used one? Thoughts? I'm firmly committed to give it a good try-out, because I want it to work.

Re: Lo-Bak Trax

Laura14 — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 20:28:51 GMT

I have it and used it while I had a seriously hurt back last year for several months.

Thumbs up from me. I really think it helped in conjunction with some other things I did.

It is totally fool proof. Just place it on your legs while lying down and push.

I'm glad you reminded me to pull it out and start it up again. It's a great back stretch.

I hope you have the same success I did. There is nothing worse than being in constant pain.

Re: Lo-Bak Trax

geezerette — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 20:33:56 GMT

I bought one a while back since it was touted to be able to do what you can't do yourself. Well, I can do by myself better than that contraption.

One of my back exercises is to lay on the floor on my back with bent knees, same position as when using the Lo-Bak thingie, and squeeze everything so that the back touches the floor. I believe that is the same presmise as the Lo-Bak. I actually can do that better myself than with the Lo-Bak. I tried it for a few weeks, didn't feel anything (better or worse), then put it in my donation box because it was just a pain to remember to take out and use.

And I can do piriformis exercises with better results by myself too.

But it as you say, many people swear by it, which is why I ordered it in the first place. Maybe you'll be one of them. Good luck.

Re: Lo-Bak Trax

Moonchilde — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 20:39:12 GMT

@Laura14, thanks for your input.

Although I have arthritis, and do have degenerative disc disease which causes intermittent sciatica, much of my everyday pain is simple tight muscles - very tight muscles that are so tight simple exercises don't have much effect. I have hopes the stretching aspect of this thing will be easy to do so I'll do it much more willingly and more often, with greater effect. Even if I "could" use other, cheaper modalities, on trying to do things on my own, considering they haven't worked on me, my body, it's worth paying for something that works and makes it simple.

People on Amazon were saying you could use a broom handle across your thighs, a stick, a pole, etc - but as someone else said to that, "oww!" The Bak Trax is padded, and shaped to the thighs, and won't bruise you, lol.

Re: Lo-Bak Trax

Laura14 — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 20:49:01 GMT

@Moonchilde Unless they are Hercules with a steel broom stick, no comparison.

I really wish I could be a little bit stronger to really stretch it further but I get a very nice stretch.

I'm really glad you reminded me of it. It makes you feel good too after you rest after each one like it says to do and just lay there and let your body come apart and back together.

Just 5-10 minutes and it's a nice feeling. I have no complaints.

Re: Lo-Bak Trax

ciao_bella — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 21:04:01 GMT

@Moonchilde I bought one of these for my daughter who has occassional lower back pain. She used it when she got the pain and it did help her. I only wish she would use more often as a type of maintenance as opposed to using it only when she feels lower back pain.

Re: Lo-Bak Trax

Azcowgirl — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 21:16:34 GMT

@Moonchilde

I absolutely love this gizmo ! As a person who had debilitating low back spasms that would put me out of commission on a regular basis, I tried this out of desperation after spending lots of time and money at the chiropractor, with no real relief. From the very first time I used it, I have been PAIN FREE ! Now I use it nearly every day for maintenance. (:

Re: Lo-Bak Trax

Bri36 — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 21:29:49 GMT

I have one and it helps so much. I have sciatica - sneezing can bring it on sometimes. I can feel the release of pressure on that nerve instantly.

Re: Lo-Bak Trax

Moonchilde — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 21:57:39 GMT

Thanks, @Bri36, @Azcowgirl, @ciao_bella

I do have sciatica, and other issues caused by tight muscles. Loosening those muscles is what I need and this seems like a simple, straightforward, effective way to do it.

I'll likely be doing it morning, mid day and evening at least, to start with. And I too will try hard, if/when my back improves, to keep using it for maintenance and not slack off when I feel better. I intend to, anyway ;-)

Re: Lo-Bak Trax

koolmimi29 — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 22:00:09 GMT

I have one and it helps my low back pain a lot.. I have a disl problem that slips if I do something dumb like lift a heavy plant.. I use this and it is very helpful in releasinjg pressurle off the disks.. Love it!!

Re: Lo-Bak Trax

mysterylady — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 23:09:24 GMT

While I believe if you have no other health issues this device will help, I urge everyone using it to carefully read the enclosed information. I must admit that's not my strong suit but I did read the info that came with it.

I saw the presentation and they never specifically spoke of the ailments where it shouldn't be used.

I have an aortic aneurysm. Had I used it he aneurysm could have ruptured and killed me. When I sent it back I mentioned this to CS but I have yet to hear this info presented.

My problem was discovered by accident some years ago. I would wonder what would happen if others have this issue and are unaware,

Re: Lo-Bak Trax

Moonchilde — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 06:16:16 GMT

@mysterylady wrote:
While I believe if you have no other health issues this device will help, I urge everyone using it to carefully read the enclosed information. I must admit that's not my strong suit but I did read the info that came with it.
I saw the presentation and they never specifically spoke of the ailments where it shouldn't be used.
I have an aortic aneurysm. Had I used it he aneurysm could have ruptured and killed me. When I sent it back I mentioned this to CS but I have yet to hear this info presented.
My problem was discovered by accident some years ago. I would wonder what would happen if others have this issue and are unaware,

There is information included in the instructions as to who should not use the device, or check with their doctor. I came across the instructions this afternoon. I only noted, however, things that might be relevant to me personally; I didn't notce whether they specifically mentioned aneurysm by name. They did say to take care regarding being healthy enough to use pressure on the handles, and not to use it f you have a rotator cuff tear, for example, or there is any reason that pressure cannot be brought to bear on the thighs.

Re: Lo-Bak Trax

phoenixbrd — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 12:58:55 GMT

@Moonchilde Just a thought....have you ever used/considered a teeter hang-up inversion table? I love it and really relieves the pressure in my lower back. I'll also check out the lo-back trax. I also do simple stretching exercises and tai-chi which helps a lot. Good luck!

Re: Lo-Bak Trax

Moonchilde — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 15:52:20 GMT

@phoenixbrd wrote:
@Moonchilde Just a thought....have you ever used/considered a teeter hang-up inversion table? I love it and really relieves the pressure in my lower back. I'll also check out the lo-back trax. I also do simple stretching exercises and tai-chi which helps a lot. Good luck!

@phoenixbrd, I haven't, because of the price and the fact that while I need "something" to help me help myself, my issues aren't so bad they need something that ambitious, I guess I'd say ;-) I also have high blood pressure and don't think head-down would be healthy for me. I also tried out an inversion device many years ago and it freaked me out that I had quite a bit of trouble getting myself right side up again. I thought - "no way if I'm by myself!"

Re: Lo-Bak Trax

claros — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 20:39:43 GMT

I use it and find it helpful but only occassionally now. Like you I have a lot of tightness, paticularly when I feel stressed, in my back and hips which leads to pain in those areas.

You may want to look for a used model. I saw 1 on our Craigs List for $10 a few weeks ago.

Re: Lo-Bak Trax

Moonchilde — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 21:42:03 GMT

@claros wrote:
I use it and find it helpful but only occassionally now. Like you I have a lot of tightness, paticularly when I feel stressed, in my back and hips which leads to pain in those areas.
You may want to look for a used model. I saw 1 on our Craigs List for $10 a few weeks ago.

I did consider a used one - I saw them on ebay - but many were without the DVDs, instructions, etc - and of course, no returns. So I just decided to buy from QVC. The price is identical (down to the free shipping) to Amazon's price through the company.

Re: Lo-Bak Trax

SaRina — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 01:51:04 GMT

I don't have one, but I tried the "broom stick" approach and folded a soft throw across my thighs underneath it. I have degenerative disc disease that causes me minor lower back pain only if I overwork my back (a lot of bending, housework, etc.). I found that this method actually made my lower back hurt more, so I'm glad I didn't purchase the gizmo.

What has been helping me for years is wearing an old-fashioned corset (with bone and hooks) that covers my entire torso. When my back acts up, I wear it for a few hours or most of the day. It feels good in keeping my back straight, prevents me from twisting, and improves my posture. By the time I take it off, the pain is usually completely gone.

Re: Lo-Bak Trax

Moonchilde — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 06:43:04 GMT

@SaRina wrote:
I don't have one, but I tried the "broom stick" approach and folded a soft throw across my thighs underneath it. I have degenerative disc disease that causes me minor lower back pain only if I overwork my back (a lot of bending, housework, etc.). I found that this method actually made my lower back hurt more, so I'm glad I didn't purchase the gizmo.

What has been helping me for years is wearing an old-fashioned corset (with bone and hooks) that covers my entire torso. When my back acts up, I wear it for a few hours or most of the day. It feels good in keeping my back straight, prevents me from twisting, and improves my posture. By the time I take it off, the pain is usually completely gone.

I have used a corset recommended by my physical therapist, @SaRina. It does help, but it only extends me being pain-free while on my feet for about 45 min. I had hoped for much more - like 2-4 hrs, but it didn't keep me without pain for that long. Also, when I'm out in public, I had to take it off and put it on again any time I needed to use the restroom, which was somewhat inconvenient.

I will try again with a back brace, but I will try a smaller one.

Re: Lo-Bak Trax

SaRina — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 12:05:05 GMT

@Moonchilde, the one I wear doesn't hinder any activities. Granted, it's not "orthopedic-grade", which you may need, but it always amazes me how wearing it for a few hours helps me when my lower back acts up. I've worn it to work. It's comfortable enough to sit in and I can use the restroom -- either I wear bikinis below the bottom of the corset or you can have your underwear over the corset. Mine looks similar to this, maybe an inch or two shorter. It's a stretchy latex type material -- not a hard waist cincher -- it just provides firm support.

Amazon also shows a variety of "lumbar support wraps", which look interesting. I think I might try one of these.

Re: Lo-Bak Trax

Moonchilde — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 14:38:16 GMT

@SaRina, the one I have is like your bottom left photo.