Effective home treatment for upper back and neck pain

Backpod® by Bodystance® is a New Zealand physiotherapy innovation specifically designed for home treatment and ongoing care of the commonest upper spinal problem in the world - a hunched upper back, causing neck pain and headaches. Designed by Steve August, a physiotherapist with 30 years' experience in treating spines and lecturing in this area, it tackles a problem that is rapidly increasing....that more of us bend more and more to use our laptops, tablets and smartphones - which are rarely set up ergonomically correctly. 

At Bad Backs we think it is a great device. One of the Bad Backs Directors has been road testing Backpod® for the last month, and is amazed at how effective the results have been for him. Less tightness in the neck and upper back, and greater flexibility in the shoulder rotator cuff area too, a completely unexpected benefit!

Everyone knows someone who is stooped and sore - especially working over a laptop. Check out the video and see how simple the product is to use. The Backpod® is a stand-alone home treatment device and programme.  It also helps and enhances existing treatment from doctors, physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors and other health professionals.

The Backpod® has won several New Zealand and international design and innovation awards, including an international Red Dot and one of the invitation only German Council Design Awards.

The Simple 1,2,3 Steps to Using your Backpod®

1. To start: Lie back on the floor with your knees bent and your head resting on three pillows.
2. Position the Backpod® lengthwise under your spine between your shoulder-blades. Add a towel over the Backpod® for more comfort if desired.
3. Place your hands under your head and relax onto the Backpod® for 30 seconds. Repeat this stretch several times, repositioning the Backpod® up and down the middle back and slightly out to the sides of the spine.

Some Frequently Asked Questions :

How will Backpod® help you ?

A tight, bent-forward upper back is the underlying driver of most neck problems.  So you have to treat the upper back too, not just the neck on its own, or the neck problem won't come right. The Backpod® lets you stretch out the tough, tightened material holding a hunched upper back in its stoop.  Just lie back on the Backpod® for a few minutes at home for a really effective stretch.

Can I use Backpod® if I am already getting treatment ?

In almost all cases, yes. The Backpod® and its programme fit in really well with all the usual treatment approaches to backs and necks - physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy, Pilates, gym strengthening, yoga, anti-inflammatory medications, etc. However health professionals are often too busy or too specialized to cover all of the elements needed for a lasting cure. The Backpod® and its strengthening exercises, stretch, massage and posture advice provide what is usually needed to get most necks working properly, and keep them doing so. If in doubt, just ask your health practitioner.

What if I feel sore using Backpod®?

A bit of mild stretch discomfort is fine. It's like doing a muscle stretch - it's not doing anything useful unless you can feel the stretch. This is mildly uncomfortable, but it's not doing any harm, and it's for only minutes anyway. Patients often describe it as "a good pain." It feels like it's doing the right thing - and it is. Of course you need to use your common sense - if any pain is acute and severe, even when you're using three or more pillows, stop and see your health professional.

Can I use Backpod® behind my neck ?

No. The Backpod® is intended to stretch out a bent-forward upper and middle back.   Problem necks are usually already too hollowed, and the Backpod® will make this worse. What will help it are the other elements of the Backpod® programme, especially the massage.

What are the risks of using Backpod®?

Hardly any at all. When used sensibly, the Backpod® is safe to use for almost all common musculoskeletal conditions involving the upper back, middle back and neck. It is a passive device and entirely under the user's control. The only force applied comes from the user's own upper body weight which they can lower gently to lie on the Backpod®. They can get off again if there are problems. See Section 3: 'Warnings and precautions' in the Backpod® user guide.

How do I clean my Backpod®?

Wipe it with a damp cloth or wash it in warm water. Mild soap is fine if it really needs it. Talcum powder rubbed in occasionally will help keep the green flexible outer layer springy and supple.

** Refer to the Backpod® User Guide for more information