Frequently Asked Questions

People suffering from chronic back pain understandably have a lot of questions.
Here are a few we get on a pretty regular basis.

Why is The MerryBack™ different from other devices?

We believe the best back pain relief is spinal decompression. We didn't invent that. Spinal decompression has been used successfully for centuries to relieve back pain. But the few devices that provide spinal decompression are either too expensive, too dramatic and can cause damage, or are too cumbersome and uncomfortable to use. You can recieve spinal decompression by hanging upside down, or from chains and belts in a doorway or lie on a stretch bed, but how long can you do that? People then turn to low cost devices on the market are only fancy belts that simply squeeze your back. These don't provide enough decompression. The MerryBack™ actually provides just the right amount of decompression by tranfering the weight of your upper body to your hips, expanding your vertebrae gently. We accidentally discovered that MerryBack™ not only makes your back feel good all day long, but that it provides long lasting pain relief after you take it off. The MerryBack™ is the first ultra lightweight, low cost, portable spinal decompression system in the world that truly provides lasting pain relief. And, it can be worn under your clothes!

Is The MerryBack™ right for me?

We can't tell you that. What we can tell you, is that if you have chronic or occasional back pain and you have just become "used to it", you are not alone. Many people live with back discomfort until it becomes unmanageable or interferes with their lifestyle. That's a problem that we are dedicated to fixing. If you decide to give The MerryBack™ a try and it's not for you, no worries, we'll take it back.

Is there a simple test that will help me know if The MerryBack™ will work for me?

Back pain is sometimes mysterious, although it is usually related to thinning or damaged discs. The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for The MerryBack™ is to walk up to a table, lay your upper body on the table top, and hang your legs off. If this makes your back feel good, The MerryBack™ will most likely work for you.

Is The MerryBack™ comfortable to wear?

Yes! Like a typical exercise band, you wear one band just below your chest and one around your waist. You then insert the risers in the band pockets that line up with your pants inseams  and away you go! Most users can wear it comfortably for several hours a day.

How long does it take for The MerryBack™ to work?

Each person is different, but wearing the The MerryBack™ two to three hours a day for ten days to two weeks generally produces lasting pain relief. After that, you may only need to wear it now and then for "touch up" on days when you have been particularly active.

How long does The MerryBack™ actually relieve pain?

During spinal decompression, the spinal vertebrae are pulled apart and the discs have a chance to heal and possibly even regain their height and ability to provide padding. It releives pain while you are wearing it AND unlike other back pain relief products, for months or even years later according to feedback and reviews from users.

Can The MerryBack™ really be worn under clothing?

Yes! Obviously, it might show under a thin T-Shirt, but many of our customers wear it under their workout and hiking gear, tops, jackets, and especially sweaters. Go to work in your MerryBack™ if you'd like. Your coworkers and boss may not even notice that your back is taking a vacation!

How do I know The MerryBack™ is working?bandjust beginningjust begibebe

After putting The MerryBack™ on according to the directions, push down on the upper band just before sitting; then sit and lean forward. The effect is very subtle, but you should feel some weight being taken off your lower back. This is the "sweet spot" you should maintain while wearing The MerryBack™, even if it requires you to sit up and adjust the bands from time to time. You may think it is not working, but the magic is just beginning!

Can The MerryBack™ help with spinal stenosis?

Yes. Spinal stenosis (or narrowing) is a common condition that occurs when the small spinal canal, which contains the nerve roots and spinal cord, becomes compressed. This causes a “pinching” of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots, which leads to pain, cramping, weakness, or numbness. Depending on where the narrowing takes place, you may feel these symptoms in the lower back and legs, neck, shoulder, or arms.

Usually, the narrowing is caused by osteoarthritis, or “wear and tear” arthritis, of the spinal column and discs between the vertebrae (the bones of the back). It may also be caused by a thickening of the ligaments in the back, as well as by a bulging of the discs that separate the vertebrae. Symptoms of spinal stenosis often start slowly and get worse over time. Pain in the legs may become so severe that walking even short distances is unbearable. Frequently, sufferers must sit or lean forward over a grocery cart, countertop or walker to temporarily ease pain.

I"m constantly taking pain medication and worry that I may need surgery someday. Can The MerryBack™ help? 

You should always consult your doctor before embarking on a treatment plan...especially if it involves medications or surgical procedures. If it is determined that spinal decompression is a safe and effective option for you, then The MerryBack™ may be a beneficial alternative pain pills, shots, or surgery.

Is there "hard" or medical evidence that The MerryBack™ works? 

Not in a clinical setting. During the product development stage, The MerryBack™ was tested on a variety of people from young to old, from athletes to couch potatoes, and the results were outstanding. Moreover, most people that bought the product and used it as directed posted favorable reviews. There is a wealth of anecdotal evidence, however, that suggests that spinal decompression is effective pain relief for most types of back pain because it allows your discs, "natures padding", a chance to regain their cushioning ability by allowing collagens, hydration, and the body's healing genetics back in to previously pinched areas. At MerryBack we like to say that it "lets your back breathe again!"

How much does it cost?

The MerryBack™ is currently available exclusively from our website for $109.95 plus tax and shipping. Belt extensions that increase the available length of the upper and lower straps from 42" to 55" are $11.99 and must be purchased separately.

Is The MerryBack™ covered by insurance?

The MerryBack™ is not classified as a medical device and likely not covered by insurance. However, you may wish to consult with your insurance provider to be sure.

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