Just wondering if anyone here has used this machine before they had surgery. There was an infomercial on tv today that I saw but they did not mention degenerative disc problems.
Thanks
Brenda
Hi Brenda, You know the old saying "IF IT SOUNDS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE IT PROBABLY IS' Sorry.
Good luck, Jim
Click my name to see my Medical history
You get what you get, not what you deserve......I stole that from Susan (rip)
Today is yours to embrace........ for tomorrow, who knows what might be starring you in the face!
I watched the videos and read through all of the information listed on their web site and it seems that there's very little "meat and potatoes" when it comes to any research behind the device. In fact other than their "testimonials", there's no stats to back up it's claims.
If you look at it, you can actually do the same thing SAFER by simply getting an exercise ball. Plus you can do far more things for yourself with the ball and it's all PROVEN. Is well documented to work and is even used in PT clinics around the world. That's the kind of testimonial I'd be looking for!
8/22/2008 - Melody writes:
BACK TO LIFE MACHINE is worthless and company tries to cheat their customers. Product does not work, came broken, had to wait for replacement part, then when it did come It did not work, BIG LIE. Got a RMA number sent the machine with the new part already on it as well as the broken part enclosed paid 25.00 for a box that weighed 14 pounds. I never got my efund. Called them weeks after they got it . They never called or wrote but are claiming they only got the broken part. What sleeze bags! The plastic piece weighed about an ounce the boc that went back was huge and weighed 14 pounds. I think they are sleezy and someone there has sticky fingers. They won't refund my money BEWARE OF THIS SLEEZY COMPANY!!!
ball will in fact provide you with the same basic stretching that that device can.
When it comes to spinal pain, there is No quick fix
Don't try to look for that miracle pill, miracle injection, miracle device that is going to take care of everything and make you pain free.
Instead, look for those treatments that can help you manage you pain. Ideally, this is done without narcotic pain medications.
There is NO SUCH THING as 'Passive Continuous Motion' to relieve back pain.
I exchanged emails with the Back2Life's spokesperson, Dr Mark Darrow, MD from UCLA.
Dr. Darrow admitted he is simply a paid spokesperson and does not use the Back2Life on his own patients.
The ONLY way to alleviate the pain and symptoms of degenerative disc disease is thru Spinal Decompression, which allows for rehydration of the spinal disks.
FYI I am currently working with a doctor who has invented an amazing home-use Spinal Decompression device. The product is called 'Spinal Stretch' and hopefully be available by July 2009.
The 'Spinal Stretch' is based on the proven scientific research and protocols, and holds the potential to revolutionize the field of home-based spine care therapy.
Yes, many effective spinal exercises can be done with those large exercise balls.
The set is too much to document in one post. I would suggest searching online. Use the phrase: uses of exercise balls and you will get pages of information.
One thing that I have used these balls for is a Chair!
I dont do it all the time, but sitting on one of those balls, has helped much more than any other expensive chair.
The key is that sitting on those balls, force you into proper posture.
One of the best ways to find out if something is useful or fraudulent is to look at one of the major auction websites. If people are selling the product/service for super cheep, they're trying to make a point!
I agree with meydey321 and Laurel earlier on this one. The machine doesn't do anything a person can do themselves with a medium arobic ball. I even got my surgeons imput on it and on the DRX9000 treatments I had to stop going to due to increased pain. He calls them all a "Glorified money making machine".
Note: I realize some may say they have had success or less pain, and that's good, however with those of us with back pain, the MIND can do some incredible things.
OK YES I BOUGHT ONE. I would try anything and yes they know it. I find this machine very relaxing Yes laying on the floor is a pain I put some blankets down first. You can adjust the height of the machine and I use it for a 6'6 person and I am not near that tall. It gives me a nice stretch I play my relaxion tapes with it and I have fallen to sleep. When I feel like I am in so much pain I can't handle it I plug the machine in and plug in the cd and feel much better. I have not had much relief pain wise but, for me it is worth it due to the peace of mind I get when I use it. THeir is always good comments and bad with anything you buy. I have read the posts for the good and bad. THe one problem I see alot of is not being able to afford it and seeing people posting to buy used ones I have it like I said and enjoy it even tho it has not done anything really for my back problem. Me to relax and feel good is well worth the $200.
My husband bought it for me...even though I thought it was too expensive. I have had 2 surgeries...L5-S1 Discectomy/Lamectomy right side and L3-4 Laminectomy. I cannot use mine...I tried and after 3-5 minutes it is not just uncomfortable but reallt hurts to the poin that I can hardly get up. I tried again and again becuase my husband is always looking for a quick fix for me. After 8 years of chronic pain he still doesnt accept the fact that I am injured suffering and trying to help myself and not giving up...I feel guilty becuase I can't use it which of course makes the pain worse. I wouldnt use it if you have nerve compression as it immediately irritates mine. I think it would be more for people who dont have such severe problems as we do here...
I use an excercise ball and it cost $11. a better investment for me and it comes with a DVD and of course more info online. Elderly people need to be careful with the ball and preferably have your Physio show you how to use it. Just my Nurse experience thrown in although it's not medical advice. Only a Dr can provide that. Charry
DDD of lumbar spine with sciatica to left hip,leg and foot. L4-L5 posterior disc bulge with prominent facets, L5-S1 prominent facets with a posterior osteocartilaginous bar. Mild bilateral foraminal narrowing c-spine c4-c7 RN
saw the infomercial, quick fixes are just that, too good to be true. Over the years, I have added things that help the discomfort and some that don't, but I keep things in the back of my mind and try them when al else fails. and I am not above using meds to control this when things go out the window. cheers
I laugh at this comercial, I mean first of all anyone with major back problems better learn how to stabelize their core muscles properly wihout any machines. 2nd point when I felt like Hell was living in My Back if a machine or a person would have moved me like that I probably would have passed out from shock. lets move the hips and legs in a compromised weakend position while the back is unstable /stationary. WOw lets classify everyone with the same injury. It bothers me to see these adds, because unfortunatly people flock to this because of a so called Dr. endorsing it.
I cant blame people for buying it I mean I was doing the same thing. You get to a point were you would sell your soul to the devil just to get rid of the pain. I tried lotions, patches, enzyme therapy, decompression computerized machines, prolotherapy, herbal Chinese teas, every vitamin and herb. Pain meds, muscle relaxers, PT, Power Plate. and in the end it cost me and I still ended up in surgery
See the Stablilty balls are the way to go. The reason hehind this is training the body's nervous system. The nervous system's ability to recruit or activate motor units (composed of a motor nerve and a group of muscle fibers) is critical for forceful, efficient movements. Scientists discovered that you can only train motor units if you activate them.Activate them means you are the one doing the work, and you are using your brain. The large, powerful motor units are only activated during powerful whole-body functional movements. If you want to train those motor units, you have to perform vigorous, explosive movements during your exercise sessions. Like lifting heavy weights in the Gym, but I dont think most of us do that. Intense training helps activate these large, fast, powerful motor units. Creating muscle memory and making sure that your daily life and movements you make will be easier, and less likey to hurt you, say like picking up a box, or a gallon of milk to walking to the Mail Box.
I bought the machine and used it before my surgery, and it offered temporary relief (like traction). Six weeks ago I had an ALIF at L5/S1, so hopefully I won't need it again.
People just don't get it that depending on your condition, the stupid machine could be more damaging than do good. I for one could not wrap my head around that commercial. Mostly because I don't want my discs crammed together the upside down way but need to be decompressed. Sometimes he's impulsive and buys me things I don't need or want and thank God he didn't do me any un-for-seen favors on this one. It was good to read all the comments just to know that we would have wasted money and I hate it when I have to store something that I don't use. I'd rather give it to someone that can.
Thank You for all the imput here.
It is best to learn as much as possible about all your treatment options. Not all of the treatments work for everyone, and sometimes they will work for awhile but then the degenerative disc disease symptoms flare up again and it's time to try a new treatment or combination of treatments.
Articles and videos about ddd treatments on this site (these are written and peer reviewed by physicians - no product sales):
Did my fellow SH members notice how many people joined this forum and the one and only post they made was to warn others to NOT PURCHASE THE B2L machine? Amazing.
I have to agree with the poster who commented: "I think it must be a representative".
I bought back2life about a month and a half ago. My wife and I have been using it several times a day, and we've had releif from back pain. Though I'm not pain free, it has seemed to releive the pain quite a bit. I have had surgury on L5-S1 with instrumentation, L4-L5 has herniated with an anular tare and L3-L4 is herniated, I've been living in pain since 1994 on a daily basis.
I was also a skeptic about this machine, but, I'm glad I got it, seems the more I use it the more releif I get. Now, I am 6 feet tall and the measurment adjustment seems to be off for my hight, but extending out for 6'6" does move me at the hips working the lower spine, my wife is 5'2" and uses 5'6" setting.
All and all, it's not an overnight quick fix, but gradually it does work to HELP releive the pain..... at least for me and my wife
L5-S1 microdisk surgery a year ago, still dealing with lingering low back pain. sciatica is much improved though
tried using it 2 - 3 times a day for a week, and it actually flared up my Sciatica, the thing is a total scam.. my mom bought it for me one , I have been on hold for over 40 minutes attempting to return the thing. before that the phone was constanly ringing busy..
I will be filing a complaint with the BBB as well, as it seems the make it extreemly difficult to return the item.
The machine didn't do a thing for me, in fact, it increased my pain due to sciatica. I ended up getting surgery and so far so good but I still have a lot of healing to do. Anyway, back to the machine. I'm sure it may work for some people. All I'm going to recommend is this. If you decide you don't want it, make sure you ask for a return authorization number before your 30 day free trial period is up. I was 2 weeks too late and they flat out refused to allow me to return it. I'm sure they make a bunch of money this way. I ended up having to buy the darn thing even though it's worthless to me because they forwarded the issue to a collection agency who threatened to report to the credit bureaus. Hopefully, this will prevent others from making the same mistake.
After 20 years working in physical therapy, one thing I know about back pain is that what is helpful for one person may not be for others because of the multitude of causes. I decided to try the Back2Life because of the 30-day return offer. Although it didn’t help me, the product is well made and I can see how it might be helpful for some people, especially for relaxing muscle spasm.
HOWEVER,...I found the company lacking in integrity when it came to returning the machine. After spending 45 minutes on 3 occasions trying to get through the “Return” line, had to endure very high pressure to try it for “an additional 30 days”. I relented and tried for the extended period without improvement and, since I was nearing the end of 60 days tried to return it. Turns out they give the 30 days extra from when you call to return it rather than an actual 30 days to your original time period. They were very stubborn about not taking it back even though I was only 2 days over “their” extension (but under 60 days).
Bottom line, possibly a decent machine, but the company is interested in getting your money by any means they can, rather than being satisfied to make their profit from satisfied customers. Be careful! (And if you need to return it, choose the “want to purchase” option on the phone rather than the “return” option—they will pick up right away rather than leaving you on hold forever.)
I am VERY sure that it is a scam. I bought it and it didn't seem to do any good so I have tried to call their number many times and all I get is a busy signal??? I tried to email them and didn't get any answer???
I can't believe that I didn't check on the internet first before I bought that product. I need to find out what network on the tv is showing that infomercial because they shouldn't be.
I had never heard of this thing, but laughed out loud when I saw the infomercial! All those promises, going to fix everyone. Watched the guy playing tennis, yeah, like I am going to be moving like that. Sad as well, we all would love something to come along and make us better. They are preying on our dreams.
Maybe someday there really will be something that works like magic!
Have a good day everyone,
Rachel
I understand people being quick to judge when this machine does not work for them but to say it's a scam is being too harsh. From the online research I've done from multiple sources it seems this machine actually does work for some people. It would be interesting to see a survey done to get actual numbers. (maybe the numbers wouldn't favor the company or else they would do it) It's really too bad to see people trashing something that other people find useful. If it didn't work for you, say that. It doesn't mean it doesn't work period.
It nevers ceases to amaze me as to how some people can be so negative about something they have not even tried! The Back 2 Life folks give a guarantee and a return policy. Yes the shipping is high. Have you checked shipping charges for heavy items lately?
I know this machine does not work for everyone. However, after spending over $20,000 out of pocket expenses for traditional methods such as physical rehab programs,exercise theraphy, pain killers of all types even Methadone and finally nerve ablation, this machine is a miracle! Nothing else worked much at all. I never saw the infomercial until after purchase.
What I saw was the life of my house cleaner change dramatically! He was so disabled by back pain, he had to drop of his crew and lay down in the back of his van until the ladies had finished cleaning my home and then he would have one of them drive everyone to the next job.
One day he came in and checked on me because I was not up as usual and his wife was concerned about me. I was lying in bed drawn up in pain. I could not believe what I saw. He was running around wiping furniture, moving furniture and using the vacum cleaner. I had to ask him the question: "What in the world have you done? Why are you so much better?" Then he shared Back 2 Life with me.
Since I have been home-bound and mostly bed-ridden for four long years, I was very interested. Yes Back 2 Life has helped me. I get better each passing day. The relief was not immediate. It has taken 2 months but I am so much improved; the doctors are amazed. My life is better. I actually drove to the post office. This is a short 5 minute drive but compared to living life in bed, I'll take it any day over my former lifestlye. My pain is diminished 50% or more. I cannot believe I am able to sit at the computer and write this comment.
I think in time, I may even be able to start working again. Please do not prejudge the Back 2 Life Machine.
It may help you. You can return it if you wish.
Look around for the best deal. You do not have to purchase it directly from Back 2 Life. One of the shopping networks offers it with free shipping, payments and a return guarantee. You may also find some on the auction sites and then if it does not work for you, you can resell it.
In closing, Back 2 Life helps many people. In the event you are not one that it helps, please return or resell it. What have you got to lose but some shipping costs and a little time.
I often think that modern medicine is currently so removed for its roots of prevention and healing that it has become the scam of the century. With Back 2 Life, you may save thousands on traditional medicine and drugs that never worked well for me. You may even be able to change your situation and get Back To Life!
but just happened to see this thing in a catalog of supposedly useful tools that arrived in the mail. I took one look at it and thought "what a piece of junk! That's not going to be helpful to anyone." I'm surprised anyone would fall for that. I'm not surprised to find the company is bogus.
Linda
3 level spinal fusion, L3/4, L4/5, L5/S1, November 2008. Stiff, but I can walk.
As with most things, I suspect there is a kernel of truth in the back-to-life story. In my experience, motion is good. I never sit for more than 1/2 hour and when standing in line somewhere I make it a point to "sway gently" rather than standing still. I know this helps my back.
Many years ago I met a back surgeon who, after years of performing back surgeries, found himself in need of one. Instead, he decided to try alternatives to surgery and eventually was able to recover sufficiently to participate in fairly demanding activities such as whitewater canoeing (which is where I met him). His ongoing regimen is quite simple. To relieve back tension and pressure that build up over the day, he simply lies down down on his back, bends his knees, grasps his legs behind the knees, and rocks his pelvis/lower back by gently pulling on his legs. He does 50-100 repetitions on each leg individually, then both legs together.
I do this regularly and I believe it helps. And if this regimen can help me, then I am wiling to entertain the notion that something like the Back to Life might have some effect as well. BUT ... gently rocking as I do is absolutely free! Why would I pay $200 for a machine?
Someone else mentioned sitting on a therapy ball. I second that. It keeps you moving a little and because it is slightly unstable you are exercising and strenghtening your "core" in order to hold yourself upright. If you have a bunch of money I highly recommend a stool called the Swopper Stool. I use one in my home office and I love it. But my employer bought it for me; I wouldn't have been able to afford it otherwise.
I have a hard time putting too much stock in anything that makes such grand claims. Back pain is complicated.
Generally the best fix is exericse but most of the exercises that have good evidence to support them are not machine-based. That is, you can do a lot of lumbar stabilization exercises and things to take pressure off discs or joints in the back without leaving your home. The exercises certainly need to be tailored to the specific needs of a person/issue but I think you are better off with a good PT and a home exercise program.
I have a few listed on my blog at www.EDITED but there are lots of good back exercises out there that do not require machines.
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People with radical surgeries vs those who have not had surgery
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Please note that Spine-Health reserves the right to edit any messages posted or submitted or e-mailed to the Company and use them for content on the website or in other company materials. No e-mail solicitation or advertising of other companies, products, services, or web sites is permitted in the Spine-Health.com forums.
Due to all the negative posts about the Back 2 Life, I researched and found a store near my home that would special order the product and had a 30 day money back guarantee. So, due to daily back pain, mostly extremely tight muscles and a protrusion between two discs in my lower back, I purchased the Back 2 Life. I am on a very limited income so this was a significant purchase for me. I absolutely love the results I get from the machine. I usually run it for 3 cycles (about 35 minutes), sometimes with ankle weights and am much more limber after using the machine. I have nothing to do with the company other than have seen infomercial ads, so mine is an unsolicited response. I usually set mine on a height setting higher than recommended for my height because it gives me more of a stretch. I would love it if I could use it for the 3 cycles several times a day, but there is only so much time in a day! There is a drawback for me, which I found surprising, my feet 'go to sleep' or become numb by the 3rd cycle so I need wait a bit after the cycle is over before standing up! My boyfriend tried the machine, but he did not care for how it made him feel. He has middle back pain, but has never had imaging done to reveal the source of the problem. So, my recommendation, is to purchase it from a store as I did, so if you don't like it, you can return it! I would by it again in a heartbeat, my boyfriend would have returned it!
I just recieved my back 2 life 9 days ago and I can not believe how good I feel. I am glad I didn't find this forum before I got mine cause I probly wouldn't have bought it after reading all this bad stuff. I think the key to this machine is to relax all your muscles while using it I don't see how you can do that with a ball cause you would have to use your muscles to move yourself. And I have had back pain for 10 years. But I do believe that my pain is mostly muscle related not disc problems.
I haven't seen this commercial but it sounds like a home traction that my PT office was pushing last year. The salesman left them one to try to sell. I had been using their professional traction for a week or so and then they tried this home unit. It was just a wedge that went under your neck with a velcro strap around your forehead. THe somehow the unit would pull your headback. Problem is nothing kept your body from sliding.
I made the PT try it in front of everyone. They said it was a piece of crap and gave it back to the salesman.
If you try something like this make sure you get a full money back guarantee. Probably a good idea to use your credit card.
What may work for one person does nto mean a prdouct is good
Many people have looked and tried this machine and found it to be a hoax and useless. However, if someone purchases it and finds that it helps them, then that is great.
Personally, I have watched the commercial and I find it to be someone of a joke. They show people that can't get out of bed one moment , to throwing their children in the air and then catching them. I am sorry, a disc problem is a disc problem. Any machine that claims to help them, still would not claim that a person could do that.
Much of what this machine does is muscle related. Yes, it is important , since our muscles can either be an allye or a for when int comes to our spinal problems.
Please save your money and do not make these scam artists any richer. They know how to prey on people's desire to be pain-free. I bought one, it did nothing for me, and then it broke down. The company refuses to honor its return policy.
I saw the commercial and was considering trying it. It seems to me that a lot of the posts that say it doesn't work might involve conditions other than Degenerative Disc Disease (which I have a classic case of), like sciatica or herniated disc etc.
Is it possible that ONLY for a "regular" (i.e., without any other complicating conditions) case of DDD, that this product might be helpful? I ask because the way it seems to work seems logically to me to be possibly helpful in relaxing the muscles of the lower back, which is what my symptoms consist of (periodic lower back muscle spasm episodes).
It does bother me that even if my theory is correct, that the company wouldn't point out that their product should only be used for DDD specifically (in order to make the most $$, I suppose) - BUT... if it could really help to relieve MY condition I might be willing to overlook that. Any opinions/observations?
muscle spasms. I'm in severe pain and I would like to know if this machie would make my back worse? Please the DDD I have is disabling and not a typical thing of aging. I would be afraie to get another herniated disc. Who's responsible then? THis machine should not be sold for people with DDD. Charry
DDD of lumbar spine with sciatica to left hip,leg and foot. L4-L5 posterior disc bulge with prominent facets, L5-S1 prominent facets with a posterior osteocartilaginous bar. Mild bilateral foraminal narrowing c-spine c4-c7 RN
The biggest issue being reported is not just the machine being a piece of crap, but the lack of customer service once it's purchased and the lack of communication in attempts by customers trying to return it under the money back guarantee. The 30 day money back guarantee starts when they say they shipped it out, not when you actually receive it. Thus many if not most never get to ship it back or get no response from the company.
I am almost ready to try anything at this point! In 2004 I fell of a roof and landed on croncrete steps on my back. I have a herniated disc in my L3 and I forget what else is going on. I think I have scar tissue on each side of my spine, its like two big balls that swell up.I have gotten two MRI's, but no surgeon, physical therapist or chiropracter has gave me a straight answer on what they are. One surgeon tried to remove them but all he left me with was two big scars. I seen the commercial it looks like it could work better on the lower back then then any other part of the back. But my pain is constant it is like a nagging toothache, I'm tired of it. I feel like in my twenties I want to have a normal body and do the activities I should be able to do. I have been going to physical therapy for 2 years. I have read almost every post here, and it almost seems like the post that are positive for the B2L are really rehearsed, and any company willing to post a positive comment to sell more is really unethical and crooked. So I don't know if the B2L is really working or if it is SPAM. What is this world coming to? If this really worked for someone I would like to know. I really don't want to spendmoney I don't have.
I only recently saw the infomercial on the back 2 life machine. I have constant groin pain, apparently coming from a compressed disc. I had simple xrays performed and they indicated the onset of degenerative arthritic joint disease. I am 76, but have always been active. Retired at 74. I go to a dc ;. the adjustments do help, but the relief does not last. I am going to hold back on purchasing the back 2 life right now and try the ball. The doctor has talked about my going to a specialist and see about having a corfisone injection in the lower back.
I have only had this pain for about six months. I think I brought it on by moving furniture. I am glad I found his site and will keep reading.
Hi Brenda, You know the old saying "IF IT SOUNDS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE IT PROBABLY IS' Sorry.
Good luck, Jim
Click my name to see my Medical history
You get what you get, not what you deserve......I stole that from Susan (rip)
Today is yours to embrace........ for tomorrow, who knows what might be starring you in the face!
I watched the videos and read through all of the information listed on their web site and it seems that there's very little "meat and potatoes" when it comes to any research behind the device. In fact other than their "testimonials", there's no stats to back up it's claims.
If you look at it, you can actually do the same thing SAFER by simply getting an exercise ball. Plus you can do far more things for yourself with the ball and it's all PROVEN. Is well documented to work and is even used in PT clinics around the world. That's the kind of testimonial I'd be looking for!
My $.02 worth
"C"
8/22/2008 - Melody writes:
BACK TO LIFE MACHINE is worthless and company tries to cheat their customers. Product does not work, came broken, had to wait for replacement part, then when it did come It did not work, BIG LIE. Got a RMA number sent the machine with the new part already on it as well as the broken part enclosed paid 25.00 for a box that weighed 14 pounds. I never got my efund. Called them weeks after they got it . They never called or wrote but are claiming they only got the broken part. What sleeze bags! The plastic piece weighed about an ounce the boc that went back was huge and weighed 14 pounds. I think they are sleezy and someone there has sticky fingers. They won't refund my money BEWARE OF THIS SLEEZY COMPANY!!!
ball will in fact provide you with the same basic stretching that that device can.
When it comes to spinal pain, there is No quick fix
Don't try to look for that miracle pill, miracle injection, miracle device that is going to take care of everything and make you pain free.
Instead, look for those treatments that can help you manage you pain. Ideally, this is done without narcotic pain medications.
Ron DiLauro Spine-Health System Moderator
Where have the Flowers gone
The Back 2 Life device is an absolute fraud.
There is NO SUCH THING as 'Passive Continuous Motion' to relieve back pain.
I exchanged emails with the Back2Life's spokesperson, Dr Mark Darrow, MD from UCLA.
Dr. Darrow admitted he is simply a paid spokesperson and does not use the Back2Life on his own patients.
The ONLY way to alleviate the pain and symptoms of degenerative disc disease is thru Spinal Decompression, which allows for rehydration of the spinal disks.
FYI I am currently working with a doctor who has invented an amazing home-use Spinal Decompression device. The product is called 'Spinal Stretch' and hopefully be available by July 2009.
The 'Spinal Stretch' is based on the proven scientific research and protocols, and holds the potential to revolutionize the field of home-based spine care therapy.
Will keep you all posted as things progress.
Yes, many effective spinal exercises can be done with those large exercise balls.
The set is too much to document in one post. I would suggest searching online. Use the phrase: uses of exercise balls and you will get pages of information.
One thing that I have used these balls for is a Chair!
I dont do it all the time, but sitting on one of those balls, has helped much more than any other expensive chair.
The key is that sitting on those balls, force you into proper posture.
Ron DiLauro Spine-Health System Moderator
Where have the Flowers gone
One of the best ways to find out if something is useful or fraudulent is to look at one of the major auction websites. If people are selling the product/service for super cheep, they're trying to make a point!
I wrote about this infomercial many months ago, and I still think the company and their claims are bogus and full of $%^t. Thanks
I agree with meydey321 and Laurel earlier on this one. The machine doesn't do anything a person can do themselves with a medium arobic ball. I even got my surgeons imput on it and on the DRX9000 treatments I had to stop going to due to increased pain. He calls them all a "Glorified money making machine".
Note: I realize some may say they have had success or less pain, and that's good, however with those of us with back pain, the MIND can do some incredible things.
OK YES I BOUGHT ONE. I would try anything and yes they know it. I find this machine very relaxing Yes laying on the floor is a pain I put some blankets down first. You can adjust the height of the machine and I use it for a 6'6 person and I am not near that tall. It gives me a nice stretch I play my relaxion tapes with it and I have fallen to sleep. When I feel like I am in so much pain I can't handle it I plug the machine in and plug in the cd and feel much better. I have not had much relief pain wise but, for me it is worth it due to the peace of mind I get when I use it. THeir is always good comments and bad with anything you buy. I have read the posts for the good and bad. THe one problem I see alot of is not being able to afford it and seeing people posting to buy used ones I have it like I said and enjoy it even tho it has not done anything really for my back problem. Me to relax and feel good is well worth the $200.
My husband bought it for me...even though I thought it was too expensive. I have had 2 surgeries...L5-S1 Discectomy/Lamectomy right side and L3-4 Laminectomy. I cannot use mine...I tried and after 3-5 minutes it is not just uncomfortable but reallt hurts to the poin that I can hardly get up. I tried again and again becuase my husband is always looking for a quick fix for me. After 8 years of chronic pain he still doesnt accept the fact that I am injured suffering and trying to help myself and not giving up...I feel guilty becuase I can't use it which of course makes the pain worse. I wouldnt use it if you have nerve compression as it immediately irritates mine. I think it would be more for people who dont have such severe problems as we do here...
Hope this helps....Jill
I use an excercise ball and it cost $11. a better investment for me and it comes with a DVD and of course more info online. Elderly people need to be careful with the ball and preferably have your Physio show you how to use it. Just my Nurse experience thrown in although it's not medical advice. Only a Dr can provide that. Charry
DDD of lumbar spine with sciatica to left hip,leg and foot. L4-L5 posterior disc bulge with prominent facets, L5-S1 prominent facets with a posterior osteocartilaginous bar. Mild bilateral foraminal narrowing c-spine c4-c7 RN
saw the infomercial, quick fixes are just that, too good to be true. Over the years, I have added things that help the discomfort and some that don't, but I keep things in the back of my mind and try them when al else fails. and I am not above using meds to control this when things go out the window. cheers
I laugh at this comercial, I mean first of all anyone with major back problems better learn how to stabelize their core muscles properly wihout any machines. 2nd point when I felt like Hell was living in My Back if a machine or a person would have moved me like that I probably would have passed out from shock. lets move the hips and legs in a compromised weakend position while the back is unstable /stationary. WOw lets classify everyone with the same injury. It bothers me to see these adds, because unfortunatly people flock to this because of a so called Dr. endorsing it.
I cant blame people for buying it I mean I was doing the same thing. You get to a point were you would sell your soul to the devil just to get rid of the pain. I tried lotions, patches, enzyme therapy, decompression computerized machines, prolotherapy, herbal Chinese teas, every vitamin and herb. Pain meds, muscle relaxers, PT, Power Plate. and in the end it cost me and I still ended up in surgery
See the Stablilty balls are the way to go. The reason hehind this is training the body's nervous system. The nervous system's ability to recruit or activate motor units (composed of a motor nerve and a group of muscle fibers) is critical for forceful, efficient movements. Scientists discovered that you can only train motor units if you activate them.Activate them means you are the one doing the work, and you are using your brain. The large, powerful motor units are only activated during powerful whole-body functional movements. If you want to train those motor units, you have to perform vigorous, explosive movements during your exercise sessions. Like lifting heavy weights in the Gym, but I dont think most of us do that. Intense training helps activate these large, fast, powerful motor units. Creating muscle memory and making sure that your daily life and movements you make will be easier, and less likey to hurt you, say like picking up a box, or a gallon of milk to walking to the Mail Box.
I bought the machine and used it before my surgery, and it offered temporary relief (like traction). Six weeks ago I had an ALIF at L5/S1, so hopefully I won't need it again.
Rusty
People just don't get it that depending on your condition, the stupid machine could be more damaging than do good. I for one could not wrap my head around that commercial. Mostly because I don't want my discs crammed together the upside down way but need to be decompressed. Sometimes he's impulsive and buys me things I don't need or want and thank God he didn't do me any un-for-seen favors on this one. It was good to read all the comments just to know that we would have wasted money and I hate it when I have to store something that I don't use. I'd rather give it to someone that can.
Thank You for all the imput here.
It is best to learn as much as possible about all your treatment options. Not all of the treatments work for everyone, and sometimes they will work for awhile but then the degenerative disc disease symptoms flare up again and it's time to try a new treatment or combination of treatments.
Articles and videos about ddd treatments on this site (these are written and peer reviewed by physicians - no product sales):
http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/degenerative-disc-disease/lumbar-degenerative-disc-disease-treatment-options
http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/physical-therapy/exercise-ball-therapy-lower-back-pain-relief
http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/degenerative-disc-disease
Best,
Stephanie
Did my fellow SH members notice how many people joined this forum and the one and only post they made was to warn others to NOT PURCHASE THE B2L machine? Amazing.
I have to agree with the poster who commented: "I think it must be a representative".
Reader/Consumer B-Ware...
I bought back2life about a month and a half ago. My wife and I have been using it several times a day, and we've had releif from back pain. Though I'm not pain free, it has seemed to releive the pain quite a bit. I have had surgury on L5-S1 with instrumentation, L4-L5 has herniated with an anular tare and L3-L4 is herniated, I've been living in pain since 1994 on a daily basis.
I was also a skeptic about this machine, but, I'm glad I got it, seems the more I use it the more releif I get. Now, I am 6 feet tall and the measurment adjustment seems to be off for my hight, but extending out for 6'6" does move me at the hips working the lower spine, my wife is 5'2" and uses 5'6" setting.
All and all, it's not an overnight quick fix, but gradually it does work to HELP releive the pain..... at least for me and my wife
L5-S1 microdisk surgery a year ago, still dealing with lingering low back pain. sciatica is much improved though
tried using it 2 - 3 times a day for a week, and it actually flared up my Sciatica, the thing is a total scam.. my mom bought it for me one , I have been on hold for over 40 minutes attempting to return the thing. before that the phone was constanly ringing busy..
I will be filing a complaint with the BBB as well, as it seems the make it extreemly difficult to return the item.
The machine didn't do a thing for me, in fact, it increased my pain due to sciatica. I ended up getting surgery and so far so good but I still have a lot of healing to do. Anyway, back to the machine. I'm sure it may work for some people. All I'm going to recommend is this. If you decide you don't want it, make sure you ask for a return authorization number before your 30 day free trial period is up. I was 2 weeks too late and they flat out refused to allow me to return it. I'm sure they make a bunch of money this way. I ended up having to buy the darn thing even though it's worthless to me because they forwarded the issue to a collection agency who threatened to report to the credit bureaus. Hopefully, this will prevent others from making the same mistake.
After 20 years working in physical therapy, one thing I know about back pain is that what is helpful for one person may not be for others because of the multitude of causes. I decided to try the Back2Life because of the 30-day return offer. Although it didn’t help me, the product is well made and I can see how it might be helpful for some people, especially for relaxing muscle spasm.
HOWEVER,...I found the company lacking in integrity when it came to returning the machine. After spending 45 minutes on 3 occasions trying to get through the “Return” line, had to endure very high pressure to try it for “an additional 30 days”. I relented and tried for the extended period without improvement and, since I was nearing the end of 60 days tried to return it. Turns out they give the 30 days extra from when you call to return it rather than an actual 30 days to your original time period. They were very stubborn about not taking it back even though I was only 2 days over “their” extension (but under 60 days).
Bottom line, possibly a decent machine, but the company is interested in getting your money by any means they can, rather than being satisfied to make their profit from satisfied customers. Be careful! (And if you need to return it, choose the “want to purchase” option on the phone rather than the “return” option—they will pick up right away rather than leaving you on hold forever.)
I am VERY sure that it is a scam. I bought it and it didn't seem to do any good so I have tried to call their number many times and all I get is a busy signal??? I tried to email them and didn't get any answer???
I can't believe that I didn't check on the internet first before I bought that product. I need to find out what network on the tv is showing that infomercial because they shouldn't be.
I had never heard of this thing, but laughed out loud when I saw the infomercial! All those promises, going to fix everyone. Watched the guy playing tennis, yeah, like I am going to be moving like that. Sad as well, we all would love something to come along and make us better. They are preying on our dreams.
Maybe someday there really will be something that works like magic!
Have a good day everyone,
Rachel
I want to be able to play tennis like that too.!! I have a big chore just putting on socks and shoes!! Dream On!!
I understand people being quick to judge when this machine does not work for them but to say it's a scam is being too harsh. From the online research I've done from multiple sources it seems this machine actually does work for some people. It would be interesting to see a survey done to get actual numbers. (maybe the numbers wouldn't favor the company or else they would do it) It's really too bad to see people trashing something that other people find useful. If it didn't work for you, say that. It doesn't mean it doesn't work period.
It nevers ceases to amaze me as to how some people can be so negative about something they have not even tried! The Back 2 Life folks give a guarantee and a return policy. Yes the shipping is high. Have you checked shipping charges for heavy items lately?
I know this machine does not work for everyone. However, after spending over $20,000 out of pocket expenses for traditional methods such as physical rehab programs,exercise theraphy, pain killers of all types even Methadone and finally nerve ablation, this machine is a miracle! Nothing else worked much at all. I never saw the infomercial until after purchase.
What I saw was the life of my house cleaner change dramatically! He was so disabled by back pain, he had to drop of his crew and lay down in the back of his van until the ladies had finished cleaning my home and then he would have one of them drive everyone to the next job.
One day he came in and checked on me because I was not up as usual and his wife was concerned about me. I was lying in bed drawn up in pain. I could not believe what I saw. He was running around wiping furniture, moving furniture and using the vacum cleaner. I had to ask him the question: "What in the world have you done? Why are you so much better?" Then he shared Back 2 Life with me.
Since I have been home-bound and mostly bed-ridden for four long years, I was very interested. Yes Back 2 Life has helped me. I get better each passing day. The relief was not immediate. It has taken 2 months but I am so much improved; the doctors are amazed. My life is better. I actually drove to the post office. This is a short 5 minute drive but compared to living life in bed, I'll take it any day over my former lifestlye. My pain is diminished 50% or more. I cannot believe I am able to sit at the computer and write this comment.
I think in time, I may even be able to start working again. Please do not prejudge the Back 2 Life Machine.
It may help you. You can return it if you wish.
Look around for the best deal. You do not have to purchase it directly from Back 2 Life. One of the shopping networks offers it with free shipping, payments and a return guarantee. You may also find some on the auction sites and then if it does not work for you, you can resell it.
In closing, Back 2 Life helps many people. In the event you are not one that it helps, please return or resell it. What have you got to lose but some shipping costs and a little time.
I often think that modern medicine is currently so removed for its roots of prevention and healing that it has become the scam of the century. With Back 2 Life, you may save thousands on traditional medicine and drugs that never worked well for me. You may even be able to change your situation and get Back To Life!
.................
Hawkeye711, did you join this forum just to post that?
Spam!!! FIRST post, FIRST day logged on as a new user... = SPAM!!! Sorry, did I mention, SPAM? Hurmf!!
Brenda
GOT TO BE SPAM!, send it to Hawaii
but just happened to see this thing in a catalog of supposedly useful tools that arrived in the mail. I took one look at it and thought "what a piece of junk! That's not going to be helpful to anyone." I'm surprised anyone would fall for that. I'm not surprised to find the company is bogus.
Linda
3 level spinal fusion, L3/4, L4/5, L5/S1, November 2008. Stiff, but I can walk.
As with most things, I suspect there is a kernel of truth in the back-to-life story. In my experience, motion is good. I never sit for more than 1/2 hour and when standing in line somewhere I make it a point to "sway gently" rather than standing still. I know this helps my back.
Many years ago I met a back surgeon who, after years of performing back surgeries, found himself in need of one. Instead, he decided to try alternatives to surgery and eventually was able to recover sufficiently to participate in fairly demanding activities such as whitewater canoeing (which is where I met him). His ongoing regimen is quite simple. To relieve back tension and pressure that build up over the day, he simply lies down down on his back, bends his knees, grasps his legs behind the knees, and rocks his pelvis/lower back by gently pulling on his legs. He does 50-100 repetitions on each leg individually, then both legs together.
I do this regularly and I believe it helps. And if this regimen can help me, then I am wiling to entertain the notion that something like the Back to Life might have some effect as well. BUT ... gently rocking as I do is absolutely free! Why would I pay $200 for a machine?
Someone else mentioned sitting on a therapy ball. I second that. It keeps you moving a little and because it is slightly unstable you are exercising and strenghtening your "core" in order to hold yourself upright. If you have a bunch of money I highly recommend a stool called the Swopper Stool. I use one in my home office and I love it. But my employer bought it for me; I wouldn't have been able to afford it otherwise.
http://www.greywinds.coM
http://www.greywinds.com/monthly-specials.html
http://www.greywinds.com/foryourface.html
I have a hard time putting too much stock in anything that makes such grand claims. Back pain is complicated.
Generally the best fix is exericse but most of the exercises that have good evidence to support them are not machine-based. That is, you can do a lot of lumbar stabilization exercises and things to take pressure off discs or joints in the back without leaving your home. The exercises certainly need to be tailored to the specific needs of a person/issue but I think you are better off with a good PT and a home exercise program.
I have a few listed on my blog at www.EDITED but there are lots of good back exercises out there that do not require machines.
Standards agreement and posting rules
Please note that Spine-Health reserves the right to edit any messages posted or submitted or e-mailed to the Company and use them for content on the website or in other company materials. No e-mail solicitation or advertising of other companies, products, services, or web sites is permitted in the Spine-Health.com forums.
Edited by moderator paulgla
Standards agreement and posting rules
Please note that Spine-Health reserves the right to edit any messages posted or submitted or e-mailed to the Company and use them for content on the website or in other company materials. No e-mail solicitation or advertising of other companies, products, services, or web sites is permitted in the Spine-Health.com forums.
Edited by moderator paulgla
Due to all the negative posts about the Back 2 Life, I researched and found a store near my home that would special order the product and had a 30 day money back guarantee. So, due to daily back pain, mostly extremely tight muscles and a protrusion between two discs in my lower back, I purchased the Back 2 Life. I am on a very limited income so this was a significant purchase for me. I absolutely love the results I get from the machine. I usually run it for 3 cycles (about 35 minutes), sometimes with ankle weights and am much more limber after using the machine. I have nothing to do with the company other than have seen infomercial ads, so mine is an unsolicited response. I usually set mine on a height setting higher than recommended for my height because it gives me more of a stretch. I would love it if I could use it for the 3 cycles several times a day, but there is only so much time in a day! There is a drawback for me, which I found surprising, my feet 'go to sleep' or become numb by the 3rd cycle so I need wait a bit after the cycle is over before standing up! My boyfriend tried the machine, but he did not care for how it made him feel. He has middle back pain, but has never had imaging done to reveal the source of the problem. So, my recommendation, is to purchase it from a store as I did, so if you don't like it, you can return it! I would by it again in a heartbeat, my boyfriend would have returned it!
New user. 1 post. To peddle products. Gee I'm so shocked. Where have we seen this before...
I just recieved my back 2 life 9 days ago and I can not believe how good I feel. I am glad I didn't find this forum before I got mine cause I probly wouldn't have bought it after reading all this bad stuff. I think the key to this machine is to relax all your muscles while using it I don't see how you can do that with a ball cause you would have to use your muscles to move yourself. And I have had back pain for 10 years. But I do believe that my pain is mostly muscle related not disc problems.
I haven't seen this commercial but it sounds like a home traction that my PT office was pushing last year. The salesman left them one to try to sell. I had been using their professional traction for a week or so and then they tried this home unit. It was just a wedge that went under your neck with a velcro strap around your forehead. THe somehow the unit would pull your headback. Problem is nothing kept your body from sliding.
I made the PT try it in front of everyone. They said it was a piece of crap and gave it back to the salesman.
If you try something like this make sure you get a full money back guarantee. Probably a good idea to use your credit card.
Many people have looked and tried this machine and found it to be a hoax and useless. However, if someone purchases it and finds that it helps them, then that is great.
Personally, I have watched the commercial and I find it to be someone of a joke. They show people that can't get out of bed one moment , to throwing their children in the air and then catching them. I am sorry, a disc problem is a disc problem. Any machine that claims to help them, still would not claim that a person could do that.
Much of what this machine does is muscle related. Yes, it is important , since our muscles can either be an allye or a for when int comes to our spinal problems.
Ron DiLauro Spine-Health System Moderator
Where have the Flowers gone
http://www.anniemorecambe.com/Meena_Bookmark.html
Please save your money and do not make these scam artists any richer. They know how to prey on people's desire to be pain-free. I bought one, it did nothing for me, and then it broke down. The company refuses to honor its return policy.
I saw the commercial and was considering trying it. It seems to me that a lot of the posts that say it doesn't work might involve conditions other than Degenerative Disc Disease (which I have a classic case of), like sciatica or herniated disc etc.
Is it possible that ONLY for a "regular" (i.e., without any other complicating conditions) case of DDD, that this product might be helpful? I ask because the way it seems to work seems logically to me to be possibly helpful in relaxing the muscles of the lower back, which is what my symptoms consist of (periodic lower back muscle spasm episodes).
It does bother me that even if my theory is correct, that the company wouldn't point out that their product should only be used for DDD specifically (in order to make the most $$, I suppose) - BUT... if it could really help to relieve MY condition I might be willing to overlook that. Any opinions/observations?
muscle spasms. I'm in severe pain and I would like to know if this machie would make my back worse? Please the DDD I have is disabling and not a typical thing of aging. I would be afraie to get another herniated disc. Who's responsible then? THis machine should not be sold for people with DDD. Charry
DDD of lumbar spine with sciatica to left hip,leg and foot. L4-L5 posterior disc bulge with prominent facets, L5-S1 prominent facets with a posterior osteocartilaginous bar. Mild bilateral foraminal narrowing c-spine c4-c7 RN
The biggest issue being reported is not just the machine being a piece of crap, but the lack of customer service once it's purchased and the lack of communication in attempts by customers trying to return it under the money back guarantee. The 30 day money back guarantee starts when they say they shipped it out, not when you actually receive it. Thus many if not most never get to ship it back or get no response from the company.
I am almost ready to try anything at this point! In 2004 I fell of a roof and landed on croncrete steps on my back. I have a herniated disc in my L3 and I forget what else is going on. I think I have scar tissue on each side of my spine, its like two big balls that swell up.I have gotten two MRI's, but no surgeon, physical therapist or chiropracter has gave me a straight answer on what they are. One surgeon tried to remove them but all he left me with was two big scars. I seen the commercial it looks like it could work better on the lower back then then any other part of the back. But my pain is constant it is like a nagging toothache, I'm tired of it. I feel like in my twenties I want to have a normal body and do the activities I should be able to do. I have been going to physical therapy for 2 years. I have read almost every post here, and it almost seems like the post that are positive for the B2L are really rehearsed, and any company willing to post a positive comment to sell more is really unethical and crooked. So I don't know if the B2L is really working or if it is SPAM. What is this world coming to? If this really worked for someone I would like to know. I really don't want to spendmoney I don't have.
I only recently saw the infomercial on the back 2 life machine. I have constant groin pain, apparently coming from a compressed disc. I had simple xrays performed and they indicated the onset of degenerative arthritic joint disease. I am 76, but have always been active. Retired at 74. I go to a dc ;. the adjustments do help, but the relief does not last. I am going to hold back on purchasing the back 2 life right now and try the ball. The doctor has talked about my going to a specialist and see about having a corfisone injection in the lower back.
I have only had this pain for about six months. I think I brought it on by moving furniture. I am glad I found his site and will keep reading.
How did you not know that you had to lay on your back to use it, before you bought it? Didn't you watch the infomercial before you bought it?
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