Posture Pump

[MLgolf]

I'm new to the forum and wanted to share my experience with the posture pump. I'm 34 years old and I raced motocross for 20+ years. Needless to say my body has some mileage. Approx. two years ago, I was suffering from pretty strong numbness in my right hand. After X-rays, MRI's, etc...I had a chiropractor suggest this device that inflates behind the neck and stretches the neck and hydrates the disks. I would say I'm about 70% better now...will probably always have some. Anyways, If you have a stiff neck or numbness, check it out.

[saevel25]

I am always skeptical of things like that. For me i would personally use ever means to rehab it through exercise and physical therapy first. But if it worked for you, all power to you. I know know when i had back pain for 3 months, it got better because i worked out and used very easy back exercises, and slowly working my way to making it stronger. Once it got strong, it stopped hurting, and i never had a problem since (1 year later)

Another reason for this method is, a ton of back problems are due to inbalance. Mostly from weak abdominal muscles and back muscles. Another reason is being over weight, the back takes a ton of pressure from a big gut. But i doubt that is your case.

[MLgolf]

Yeah, I'm not pushing the product by any means. It basically just assists in stretching the neck. I would have never tried it if my chiropractor didn't let me use one of theirs. I have a clean diet and a solid core...mine issue is just a bit of arthritis.

[jeffdonnely]

Are you still using the posture pump? I was thinking of picking up the model 4100 one. Its kind of expensive though, would like to know how well they work before ruining my bank account.

[MLgolf]

I have the inexpensive model (paid 80 new on eBay). I still use it everyday, and love it. Buy the cheap one and give it an honest month, before deciding. Uncomfortable at first. I think I'm gonna buy a back up, in case mine breaks.

[jeffdonnely]

So its worth a try then. I think i'm going to go for the neck and back one. Sometimes it feels like my bones are rubbing together in the lower back area. I know that's not the case but that's the best way to explain it. I'll report back with hopefully some good news.

[MLgolf]

Good luck!

[jeffdonnely]

So its been about 2 weeks with the posture pump. I sprung for the model 4100 one. Looks like this . It was a little too expensive in my opinion. I do feel like its making progress with my neck problem, but as far as the lower back, i just feel like its not strong enough to apply the enough stretching power. After buying it i did some more research on exactly how much your lower spine has to be stretched and it turns out you need about 60% of your body weight pulling on your spine. I don't see this device getting anywhere near that. Im going to keep at it for a few more months and see what happens but im thinking there is better options out there. I wouldn't recommend this product for dealing with back pain.

[Beachcomber]

Originally Posted by saevel25

I am always skeptical of things like that. For me i would personally use ever means to rehab it through exercise and physical therapy first. But if it worked for you, all power to you. I know know when i had back pain for 3 months, it got better because i worked out and used very easy back exercises, and slowly working my way to making it stronger. Once it got strong, it stopped hurting, and i never had a problem since (1 year later)

I'm the same way (skeptical)... Especially when dealing with a sensitive area like the neck/back.

When I put in a long day of work, I'll spend too much time on a computer and will get a very stiff neck and upper back (typically between the shoulder blades).  The best thing that I use to assist with reducing stiffness in my upper back is a foam roller.  It works like a charm...

Also, I agree on regular exercise / working out.  My aches and pains are greatly reduced when my activity levels are increased.  And having a sedentary lifestyle only increases the aches and pains (joint pain).  So I try and stay active as much as possible throughout the week.