How does it work?
Treat Spinal Compression to Relieve Back Pain
There are many things that can go wrong with the spine but, in essence, up to 98% of all back pain is either caused by, or directly linked to compression. This is the term used to describe the process where the spine becomes squashed or shortened from its natural length.
When the spine is compressed, the space between the vertebrae narrows. Decompression restores the original distance between the vertebrae, so that all the elements of the spine that have been affected by this misalignment (such as spinal nerves and joints) are reverted back into place as well.
Thus, if we can decompress the spine (something which the Backrack™ does) we can treat the causes, and hence the symptoms, of back pain.
How Does the Backrack Work?
Patients are instructed to lie on the rack, in a central position, with their knees bent (as shown):
As can be seen from the next diagram, the Backrack™ mirrors the natural curvature of the spine. As a result, the back is fully supported: it rests in a neutral position.
Following, the patient is asked to perform a range of exercises that target a specific region of the back (where their issue occurs). These exercises are performed whilst lying down.
The motions that occur during the exercises allow the wooden nodules to act as a massage tool and push up on either side of the spine (depending on the exercise).
Because of their design, the nodules target the deep tissue of the back (both muscular and skeletal). In turn, this process lifts the individual vertebrae (as shown), causing them to pivot about the joints in the back.
As a result of this:
- The joints are decompressed
- The spine lengthens (the space between the vertebrae is widened back to its original size)
- Joint mobility (and soft-tissue elasticity) increases.
- Stiffness and back pain are reduced.
- Pressure on the joints and the intervertebral discs is lowered. This lowers the risk of spinal Osteoarthritis and Bulging or Herniated discs.
- Lastly, pressure on the spinal nerves is also reduced. This will treat symptoms such as acute local pain, Sciatica and Pins and Needles.
How Backrack™ Device Treats Multiple Causes Of Back Pain
This is very important to keep in mind: the Backrack is designed to remove any unwanted negative stress on the spine. It will also apply stress (pressure) that is wanted to push the vertebrae back in place.
Advanced Explanation
In the How Does the Backrack™ Work section, we explained (briefly) how the device works. To explain this in detail, however, we must first describe the structure of the human spine and the main, underlying cause of back pain.
The human spine consists of a number of vertebrae, or units of bone, arranged in a vertical structure, also known as the spinal column.
In newborn children, the column comprises of 33 distinct, or physically separate, vertebrae. Over time, however, the units at the base of the column fuse together to form the coccyx, or “tailbone”, and the sacrum, which forms part of the pelvis.
As can be seen from the diagram, the column itself actually consists of five, distinct, regions. These are known (from top to bottom) as the:
Cervical spine (red), Thoracic spine (yellow), Lumbar spine (green), Sacrum (turquoise), Coccyx (dark blue)
The mechanical function of the spine is two-fold: it provides structural support for the body, and allows us to move freely in three dimensions (bending over and rotating as necessary).
In order to achieve this, the vertebrae in the top three sections must be allowed to move relative to one another, without compromising the structural rigidity of the back. This is achieved by the use of facet joints, which lock the vertebrae together whilst allowing for articulated movement (an articulated lorry provides a useful analogy).
The joints are referred to as facet joints because they are formed when the faces of two bones come together. Contrast this, for example, with the hip joint, which consists of a ball and socket.
Facet joints are very good at allowing a broad range of movement. For example, they allow us to bend forward, backwards, and to the side; they also allow us to rotate (both to the left and to the right), and to combine these different movements. Compare this, for example, with the knee, which only allows for bending in one direction: you cannot bend it to the side or rotate it very far.
Unfortunately, facet joints can also be compressed relatively easily (where the faces slide too far towards each other). When this happens, the vertebrae in the spine can no longer move freely; in turn, this prevents us from moving freely. Put simply, we become stiff. In addition to this, we experience back pain. In actual fact, up to 98% of all back pain is either caused by, or directly linked to compression of these joints.
If you would like to understand this in more detail, please visit our section on Facet Joint Syndrome.
So, How Does It Work?
Patients are instructed to lie on the rack, in a central position, with their knees bent (as mentioned in the Introduction).
As can be seen in the attached image, the Backrack™ mirrors the natural curvature of the spine. As a result, the back is fully supported: it rests in a neutral position.
Following, the patient is asked to perform a range of exercises that target a specific region of the back (where their issue occurs). These exercises are performed whilst lying down.
While performing these motions, the wooden nodules act as a massage tool and push up on one or both sides of the spine (depending on the exercise).
Because of their design, the nodules target the deep tissue of the back (both muscular and skeletal). In turn, this process lifts the individual vertebrae (as shown), causing them to pivot about the joints in the back.
To give a different perspective on how the back is aligned on the device, in the lying down position, the spine is physically suspended on the central channel. To understand how this happens, consider a cross-section of an individual vertebra, sitting on the rack (as shown).
Now, each vertebra has several processes (thin units of bone that extend from the main section).
The transverse processes extend from both sides of the vertebra: these sit on the wooden rollers.
The spinous process extends to the rear (it can be seen, and felt, just below the skin in the middle of the back): this sits, suspended in the central channel and bears no weight. The diagram below shows what happens from a side-view of the Backrack™:
The black square on the left-hand side is reproduced and then magnified, on the right-hand side to display how the nodules on the rack fit with the vertebrae.
The wooden rollers push up under the transverse processes. In turn, this lifts the individual vertebrae, causing them to pivot about the facet joints. As a result of this, the joints are decompressed, and the spine lengthens. Joint mobility (and soft-tissue elasticity) increases; stiffness is therefore reduced.
Recall that up to 98% of all back pain is either caused by or directly linked to compression of the facet joints.
If we can decompress these joints, something which the Backrack™ does, we can treat the causes (and ultimately the symptoms) of back pain.
In addition to this, the pressure on the joints and the intervertebral discs is lowered. This lowers the risk of spinal Osteoarthritis and Bulging or Herniated discs, as well as other spinal disorders.
Finally, the pressure on the spinal nerves is reduced; this relief of pressure will treat symptoms such as acute local pain, Sciatica and Pins and Needles.
Given that the Backrack™ covers all three major areas of the spine – cervical, thoracic and lumbar – a variety of conditions can be addressed through therapy that uses this device.
Full details for the use of the Backrack™ are contained in our Instruction Manual (PDF document).
How Do I Use the Backrack?
To begin with, the rack should be placed on a sturdy surface – such as the floor – to ensure it remains stable for the duration of use.
Then, patients should lie on the rack as relaxed as possible in a basic central position, with knees bent (as shown, and mentioned earlier).
Achieving this position is actually very easy. For more details, please refer to our video materials.
Once in the Starting Position (shown above), patients are encouraged to perform a series of exercises. They vary depending on the condition that you suffer from and that you are trying to treat.
These exercises have been carefully developed from a long experience to mobilise the facet joints of the spine and to reduce as required, back, neck, and hip pain.
If you are in any doubt as to whether the Backrack™ is appropriate for you, please consult your doctor.
PLEASE NOTE: When you first lie on the Backrack™, you may have a stiff spine back pain/spasms, because your spine is not accustomed to the pressure. There are no side effects to using the device, but your spine will react to the upward force of the nodules. However, your symptoms should certainly improve over the space of about 5 days. You may feel sore the first few days.
In view of this predictable (and necessary) response, the spine needs to be decompressed in stages. To begin with, a low-moderate pressure will be sufficient to lengthen the spine (and provoke a reaction). However, as your spine adapts to the Backrack™, you will need to increase the pressure, using more advanced techniques.
For this reason, we have designed a comprehensive range of movements, designed to increase the pressure in stages.
The first stage consists of a series of Basic Exercises, which decompress the spine using low-moderate pressure. They are suitable for everyone barring a few exceptions, or Contraindications.
The Advanced Exercises will decompress the spine using moderate-high pressure (two of them will also help to strengthen the deep, stabilising muscles that support the spine). The Advanced Exercises should not be attempted until you are comfortable with the basic manoeuvres.
How Often Should I Use It?
The Backrack™ can be used as frequently as your body will allow. After each session (possibly the day after) you should expect to feel sore.
This reaction is not the same as back pain. It is simply a natural response from joints that are currently stiff and dysfunctional. It is also a necessary response (without it, you will not get better).
This reaction actually provides a very useful feedback mechanism. When you return to the Backrack™ and repeat the exercises, you may find that your back feels uncomfortable and too sore. In this case you should rest. Use the Backrack™ on the following day instead.
Alternatively, you could use the Backrack™ every day, but perform different exercises on different days. For example, on day 1 you could focus your attention on the lower back using the Single (or Double) Leg Raise; however, on day 2 you could switch your attention to your neck using the Double Leg Raise With Tilt.
You can use the Backrack™ as frequently as you like (and for as long as you like) provided that you can tolerate the amount of soreness. To start with, however, we recommend that you use it every other day, and for relatively short periods of time (perhaps 5-10 minutes per session).
After a while you should be able to regulate your own treatment. If you use the Backrack™ on a frequent basis, you should find that the soreness disappears. When this happens, you should progress to more advanced exercises.
Is It Perfect?
The Backrack™ is (probably) the best product on the market for the treatment of back pain. Nothing else comes even remotely close and because we have patented the design, no other product is likely to do so for the next 20 years.
However, the Backrack™ does have some limitations. It is, after all, a product, not a human being, trained in the field of spinal Orthopaedic Medicine. If you have a serious spinal disorder (for example, a slipped, or herniated disc), the Backrack™ will help to alleviate your symptoms. You may, however, need to see a specialist, in addition to using the Backrack™.
It is, of course, extremely important that you visit the right specialist. In our opinion, the only specialist you should visit is one trained in Orthopaedic Medicine; there is simply no need for anyone to contemplate surgery on their spine (except for a very limited number of cases).
For more details on each of the treatment options available to you, please visit our ‘Treatments’ section.
If you would like to make an appointment to see Mr Luklinski (a leading specialist in orthopaedic medicine and the inventor of the Backrack™), please visit our ‘Spine Clinic’ section or our dedicated website, The Luklinski’ Spine Clinic where you will also be able to review Mr. Luklinski’s qualifications and experience, and receive a Diagnosis after filling the on-line Consultation Form.
