The Ultimate Couch Guide for a Pain-Free Back!

• The pandemic effect on back pain
  • The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, as many people working from home experienced neck, shoulder, and back pain due to improper seating arrangements.
• Avoid sleeping on the couch for better back health
  • Dr. Bond warned against sleeping on couches, explaining that they are not designed for sleeping and provide inadequate support, leading to back and neck pain. People often gravitate towards overly cushioned, fluffy couches, thinking they are the most comfortable.
• The importance of firmer couches
  • However, Dr. Bond recommended firmer couches with proper lumbar support for those with chronic back issues. He advised maintaining a 90-degree posture for the back and knees while sitting and ensuring the couch length matches leg length to avoid slumping.
• The problem with deep and cushioning couches
  • Deep and cushioning couches, like the popular cloud couch, can be problematic due to their lack of support, which can lead to significant back pain over time.
• Maintaining correct posture
  • Dr. Bond noted that it is difficult to maintain correct posture in such couches without eventually slumping. For those who enjoy lying down on the couch, he stressed the importance of having a firmer, supportive surface and changing positions frequently to avoid prolonged pressure on one area.
• Tips for shopping for a couch when you have back pain
  • When shopping for a couch, Dr. Bond advised doing so when not in pain to avoid choosing a couch that feels good in the short term but causes issues in the long run.
• Key features to look for
  • He suggested looking for proper lumbar support, firmer cushions, and a couch length that prevents slumping. Additionally, he recommended considering the height of the armrests and whether the couch provides adequate support throughout its length.
• Introducing the Bond Wand: a solution for muscle strain
  • Dr. Bond introduced his invention, the Bond Wand, a fascial stretching device designed to alleviate muscle strain and tightness. Unlike percussive devices like the Theragun, which can sometimes cause more harm than good if used improperly, the Bond Wand aims to provide relief without excessive pressure on sore muscles.
• Overall rips for comfort and health
  • Opting for firmer, supportive couches with proper lumbar support and avoiding overly cushioned options can significantly improve comfort and reduce pain. Changing positions frequently and avoiding sleeping on the couch are also important practices. By following these guidelines and using supportive devices like the Bond Wand, individuals can maintain better back health and enjoy greater comfort at home.

**FULL TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE AT BOTTOM OF ARTICLE**

Is a firmer sofa better for your back?

Now that we’ve heard some of the fundamentals from the good doctor (Dr. David Bond in the video above), let’s talk about finding the comfiest sofa for thwarting back pain! You know, the one that makes you go “ahh” every time you plop down. Here are a few insights on the best couch for back pain from the experts at Couch.com:

• Tailored back support: Opting for a couch with a tailored back support system can be exceptionally beneficial for individuals dealing with back issues. This feature provides targeted comfort and helps alleviate strain on the spine.
• Catering to specific needs: Finding the perfect couch for individuals with back problems involves identifying their unique requirements. By choosing a sofa that offers adjustable lumbar support or customizable cushioning, you can tailor the seating experience to your specific needs.
• Orthopedically designed: Consider investing in a couch that is orthopedically designed to provide optimal back support. These sofas often incorporate features such as ergonomic curves, memory foam padding, and firmness adjustments, all aimed at promoting a healthy posture for the best back pain relief.
• Professional advice: Seeking professional guidance, such as consulting with a chiropractor or an interior designer experienced in back support, can greatly assist in selecting the right couch. Their expertise can help determine the ideal features and specifications to prioritize for your individual back needs.

Obviously, the ideal sofa for your back is one that strikes a balance between support and comfort. Furthermore, considering your personal preferences and any specific back conditions you may have. That being said, check out the basics of couch sitting for an even deeper look!

Are high back sofas better?

When it comes to high back sofas, there are a few key factors to consider:

• Comfort and support: High back sofas provide excellent support for your neck, shoulders, and back, making them ideal for long hours of lounging or relaxation. Specific height and angle are also very important but, by and large, having somewhere to lean your head back against is a good thing.
• Style and elegance: High back sofas often exude a sense of sophistication and timeless charm, adding a touch of elegance to any living space.
• Privacy and intimacy: The taller backrest of these sofas provides a sense of enclosure, creating a cozy and private atmosphere perfect for intimate conversations or moments of solitude.
• Visual impact: High back sofas make a bold statement in a room, becoming a focal point and enhancing the overall aesthetics of your décor.

These tall-backed champs offer top-notch back support! In turn, saving the day for anyone in dire need of a comfy and pain-free lounging experience!

What is the most comfortable angle for sofa back?

Finding the perfect angle for the sofa back is not an exact science, but there are a few guidelines that can help you achieve maximum comfort and relaxation. Here are some key points to consider:

• The “Goldilocks” angle: Aim for an angle that is not too upright and not too reclined. A slight recline of about 100-110 degrees is often considered optimal, as it provides excellent support while allowing you to sink into the cushions. Sectional couches typically provide varied angle options.
• Individual preference: Keep in mind that everyone’s idea of comfort may vary. Experiment with different angles to find the one that feels best for you.
• Cushion support: High-quality cushions with proper lumbar support can enhance comfort, regardless of the angle you choose.
• Consider the purpose: If the sofa is primarily used for lounging and relaxation, a slightly more reclined angle may be desirable. For more formal settings or activities like reading or working, a slightly upright angle may be more suitable.

Remember, the most comfortable angle for a sofa back ultimately depends on your personal preference and intended use. So, go ahead, explore different positions, and find that sweet spot!

Can a hard sofa cause back pain?

Absolutely! It’s important to understand the impact of your choice of seating on your back. Our Couch.com experts know how important the right support can be:

• Lack of support: Hard sofas often lack proper lumbar support, which can strain your lower back muscles and result in back pain from sleeping on the couch.
• Poor posture: Sitting on a hard surface can make it difficult to maintain good posture, leading to spinal misalignment and back pain.
• Pressure points: A hard sofa can create pressure points on your body, causing discomfort and potentially leading to chronic pain.
• Limited cushioning: Soft sofas with sufficient cushioning help distribute weight evenly and alleviate stress on your back.

To ensure a comfortable and pain-free seating experience, look for sofas with adequate lumbar support and cushioning. Don’t hesitate to try out different options and consult ergonomic experts if needed.

Is a pillow back sofa better?

If you’re looking for a balance between comfort and style, a pillow back sofa fits the bill perfectly. Here’s why:

• Ultimate coziness: The plushness of a pillow back sofa provides unparalleled comfort, allowing you to sink in and relax after a long day. Generously stuffed cushions will contour to your body for optimal support.
• Versatile styling: Pillow back sofas come in a variety of designs that can suit your personal taste and complement your existing decor. Various fabric choices, such as luxurious velvet or durable microfiber, offer both elegance and practicality.
• Easy maintenance: Cleaning is a breeze with pillow back sofas, as removable cushions can be easily laundered or spot-treated as needed vs tight-back sofas with built-in cushioning. Regular fluffing of the pillows helps maintain their shape and longevity.

This divine creation combines the best of both worlds, offering plush relaxation and a touch of sophistication. So sit back, and relax as you sink into the ultimate remedy for both style and spinal relief. Go one step further and discover the right daybed, here!

How to relieve back pain with proper sitting position.

There are numerous tactics you can take to prevent unnecessary back pain while doing your best lounging. By following these simple tips and techniques, you can alleviate back discomfort and improve your overall well-being:

• Sit like a boss: Maintain a posture that says “I’ve got this” with your shoulders relaxed and your back aligned against the backrest of your chair or couch.
• Give your lower back some love: Put a pillow or a lumbar roll behind your lower back to show your spine some TLC and keep it in its natural curve.
• Keep those feet grounded: Make sure your feet are firmly planted on the ground or use a footrest to keep your knees at a cool 90-degree angle.
• Break it down, baby: Take frequent breaks to stand up, stretch, and strut your stuff. Give those muscles a breather and improve your circulation like a pro.

How should I sit on my couch with lower back pain?

We’re here to lend you a hand in navigating the treacherous territory of sitting on your comfy couch with lower back pain. See below for advice to keep you comfortable and pain-free:

• Cushion prowess: Select cushions that offer the perfect blend of support and squishiness. Look for ones that shape-shift to fit your lower back’s every nook and cranny.
• Posture supremacy: Sit like a majestic monarch and plant your back firmly against the backrest and resist the temptation to slouch or hunch forward. Your lower back deserves nothing less than regal treatment.
• Lumbar love: Embrace the lumbar roll! It’s like the superhero sidekick for your lower back. Position a lumbar pillow cleverly to maintain that natural curve in your spine. Your back will thank you big time.
• Weight distribution wizardry: Beware the tyranny of imbalance! Distribute your weight evenly across your butt and thighs. We’ve all felt the dreaded “my cheek went numb” feeling when sitting in one position for too long.
• Break dance: Take regular breaks from your snug couch kingdom. Stretch those legs, march around, and give your back a well-deserved break from its cozy throne. If you do decide to break dance, please film it and post it online because most people look funny doing that.

With these impactful tips, you can conquer the discomfort of lower back pain while reigning over your couch kingdom with style and grace.

Is it better to lay down or sit with lower back pain?

Well, let’s take a seat and delve into the matter. Never underestimate the importance of finding the right posture to alleviate your back pain. Here are some insights to consider:

• Sitting: Take a load off your back with a comfy couch that’s got your lumbar support covered. Good posture never looked so stylish!
• Don’t get caught slouching: Remember to take breaks and move around to keep your productivity on point. Need a solid foundation for your work? Sitting down at a well-designed workstation can keep you focused and ready to conquer the day.
• Laying down: Get your beauty rest on a mattress that’s firm and fabulous, providing perfect spine-alignment so you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world. Drifting off on that recliner sofa may not be the best idea!
• Side sleepers: take note! Get cozy with a pillow between your knees for ultimate comfort and spinal alignment. Treat yourself to the ultimate relaxation experience with a recliner or adjustable bed. Say goodbye to back stress and hello to luxurious comfort!

Experiment with different positions and consult with a healthcare professional if the pain persists. Remember, finding the right balance of rest, movement, and ergonomic support is key to make your back pain a thing of the past! Check out different sofa with sleepers for those surprise in-law visits!

Why does your lower back hurt after laying on the couch?

It’s not uncommon for your lower back to feel a bit cranky after enjoying some quality time on your favorite sofa. So why does this happen? Let’s dive into the science behind it.

• Lack of support: Couches often lack proper lumbar support, and this can strain your lower back muscles. Consider adding a lumbar pillow or using an adjustable couch with built-in support.
• Prolonged sitting: Spending too much time in any seated position can lead to muscle stiffness and poor posture, causing discomfort in your lower back. Take regular breaks to stretch and move around.
• Soft cushioning: Plush cushions may feel cozy, but they can cause your body to sink, leading to misalignment and pressure on the lower back. Opt for a firmer couch or add a board under the cushions for better support.

Remember, it’s important to create a balance between comfort and good ergonomics. By being mindful of your posture and making a few adjustments, you can keep your lower back happy while enjoying your couch cocoon!

What lower back pain gets worse while sitting?

Picture this: you’re settled into your cozy chair, eager to dive into your work or maybe relax with a good book, but instead, you find yourself ouch-ing and ugh-ing due to that annoying pain in your lower back. Here’s why it’s happening:

• Muscle strain: Prolonged sitting can strain the muscles in your lower back, especially if your posture is less than perfect.
• Herniated discs: Sitting puts more pressure on the discs in your spine, increasing the risk of herniation, causing pain to radiate to your lower back.
• Sciatic nerves- Sitting for long periods also sometimes triggers or can worsen sciatica pain. Sitting puts considerable pressure on your glutes, lower back, and sciatic nerve.
• Sedentary lifestyle: When we sit for long periods, our muscles weaken, making them more prone to injury and pain.

But fear not, there are remedies to help ease this discomfort. Consider these tips:

• Maintain good posture: Sit up straight, keeping your spine aligned.
• Take breaks: Every 30 minutes or so, get up, stretch, and move around.
• Strengthen your core: Engaging your core muscles will provide better support for your lower back.

Armed with this newfound understanding, you can tackle that pesky lower back pain and make sitting a more enjoyable experience.

Can sitting with your legs up be bad for your back?

As is tradition, everything in moderation is typically key for ultimate comfort. However, let’s dive into the topic and explore whether it’s a friend or foe to your back health.

Here’s what you should know:

• Improved circulation and relaxation: Elevating your legs can boost blood flow and reduce swelling, providing a sense of relaxation.
• Moderation is key: While occasional leg elevation can have its benefits, excessive or prolonged periods of this position may strain your lower back.
• Posture and support: Ensure your seating arrangement offers proper lumbar support, so your spine remains in a neutral position.
• Movement and breaks: Sitting for long periods, even with legs up, isn’t ideal. Take frequent breaks to stretch and walk around.

Remember, balance is crucial when it comes to your back health. So go ahead, enjoy some leg elevation for comfort and relaxation, but always prioritize movement and support for optimal spine health.

Our Full Interview with Dr. David Bond: The Ins & Outs of Back Pain & Couches

Alex: Okay, I think Dr. Bond quietly you just gave us one of the hottest takes on the internet: do not sleep on your couch unless you want back pain. Is that fair to say?

Dr. Bond: Yeah, or neck pain.

Alex: Hey everyone, it’s Alex with couch.com. Ultimately, we wanted to arm our viewers with the information or confidence to go couch shopping for the right couch for them depending on their type of back or body style, the pain that they experience, and also what sitting style they have. And we have a very special guest today. This is about back pain and choosing the right couch when you have back pain, so who better to give us expert advice? His name is Dr. Bond. Welcome to the show, how are you?

Dr. Bond: I’m fine, thank you.

Alex: Dr. Bond has been my personal chiropractor here in Los Angeles for a number of years now. I’ve referred a number of people to him. I think he has magic hands and a magic mind as well. Not everybody has a chiropractor that they trust like I do. If I’m real jacked up, I know exactly who to call and make an appointment with, that’s you. I also have a Theragun and I also have a product that you patented and invented yourself. You are an inventor, you have a number of patents, and one of your products has just hit the market, so we are shamelessly promoting it too because I think it’s amazing and it is aptly named the Bond Wand. But tell us about how you got into being a chiropractor. Do you like being a chiropractor?

Dr. Bond: Oh yeah, I love being a chiropractor. In fact, I could think of nothing else I’d want to be. I originally was going to be a psychiatrist but I couldn’t deal with the people.

Alex: People are really tough, aren’t they?

Dr. Bond: Yeah, a lot of people have back pain.

Alex: So before we get into the part where we help people figure out what kinds of couch they might be looking for, what are some common reasons for back pain in general? Because I’ve been coming to you for years and I’ve been doing this for years at the computer all day and I like to blame it on my genetics or my workouts, but you always seem fairly convinced that it was because of my computer sitting style. So I ask you, what are some of the most common reasons people come to visit you as obvious as that may be of a question?

Dr. Bond: I mean, it always amazes me how many different ways people can injure themselves. Genetics is a little part of it, but the majority of it I would say is posture, repetitive injuries, sports, and work comp injuries, and basically poor biomechanics. And then beyond that, you get into the biochemical stuff like arthritis and stuff like that. But for me, the basis of all of it is the amount of inflammation that you have in your back or your neck or in the muscles. If you can control the inflammation and the progression of it, then you can treat them and get rid of their problem. But you can’t always change their biomechanics.

Alex: I think about during COVID when everybody started working at home. There were those people that sat at the kitchen table versus those that sat on the couch. And not every employer gave them a full ergonomically designed workspace. I noticed that the ones that sit at the kitchen table, they always had the neck and shoulder and headaches and neck pain. And those that sat on the couch, they tended to have low back pain and mid-back pain and hip pain. Faulty biomechanics in either condition tend to be evident, especially during the COVID era. I bet business was booming for you.

Dr. Bond: Oh my goodness, yeah, it was an interesting time.

Alex: Okay, but here’s the thing, right? When it comes to couches, I think people generally will gravitate towards the most cushiony types of couches or the fluffiest type of couches and call those the most comfortable. Now to me, that does not constitute comfort for me, or doesn’t define it for me, mostly because I have a lot of back discomfort and I like to sit in a certain way. But let’s get this out of the way first. Let’s say you threw your back out or you have a real bad muscle spasm or something like that. Do you recommend that people lie on the couch or do you recommend that they keep a little power walking or do a little samba throughout the day to keep things moving?

Dr. Bond: Yeah, it’s a mixture of those things. I can think over the years that I’ve told many people to get a new mattress because they wake up with back pain and many people to get new pillows. But I never considered the couch as a large cause of back pain until recently. I’ve had a number of patients that, for whatever reason, they’re snoring too loud and their spouse relegates them to the couch, or during a football game they sleep on the couch, or whatever. And the couch, in my mind, was not meant to sleep on, it’s meant to sit on. So when you sleep on it, it’s supporting you in the wrong ways and you tend to get pain. So people with, say, low back pain, they might benefit from a firmer mattress they can sleep on, but they can’t change their couch in that way. Also, when they sleep on the couch, they tend to sleep away from the back of the couch, facing outward, and so they can’t turn the other way for comfort. So they tend to get molded into one way where their back sags or their neck is too high, things like that. But the couches should be looked at for every case of back pain where they fall asleep on the couch, for sure.

Alex: Okay, I think Dr. Bond, quietly you just gave us one of the hottest takes on the internet: do not sleep on your couch unless you want back pain. Is that fair to say?

Dr. Bond: Fair to say, yeah, or neck pain.

Alex: I got to tell you, and I’m proof positive of this. Sometimes I’ll be working late at night and I have a nice comfy couch right there behind me, and I’m like, let me just sit down for 2 minutes and take a load off. And I’ll sit down, then all of a sudden it’s 3 hours later and I’ve been sleeping like this, and for the next 2 or 3 days I’m working through some inflammation or a spasm in my back, which is very annoying. So I can personally attest to this hot take that you’ve just given up.

Dr. Bond: There’s also what I call recliner syndrome, where you’re leaning back on the recliner and your head goes like that, and you wake up two or three hours later and you have sharp neck and shoulder pain. So it doesn’t have to be just from laying down. The couch is ripe with all kinds of injuries to be had.

Alex: It makes sense. Ultimately, we want to arm our viewers with the information or confidence to go couch shopping for the right couch for them, depending on their type of back or body style, the pain that they experience, and also what sitting style they have. So let’s talk about sitting styles. We talked about lying down; it can be, especially if you’re lying in one position as if you were sleeping or in one position for a long time, it could be detrimental. So what do you recommend as the best way to sit on a couch? How do you sit on a couch? Because one time I asked you how you sleep in a bed and you told me you use 17 pillows, and I’m telling you, I had those pillows around me, I have never sweated more in my entire life. So how do you sit on a couch, Dr. Bond?

Dr. Bond: I try to keep the 90° rule, your back and your knees and everything should be somewhat 90°, but a little bit more in recline. You want to have the length of the couch to match your legs so you don’t sit too far away from the back of the couch. And of course, lumbar support from the couch. But it’s pretty difficult to sit in correct posture; you generally tend to slump. But the worst thing to do is to slump forward.

Alex: Why is that?

Dr. Bond: Your back, it has a primary lordosis, the curve of your back. And if you reverse that curve, then your muscles and your ligaments are not working at optimum length.

Alex: Got it. So how do you sit on a couch? Do you even own a couch?

Dr. Bond: Yeah, I tend to get comfortable, but I do have a lumbar support. So I don’t generally sleep on the couch, and I don’t generally have a lot of pain on the couch because my knees aren’t cutting in under my kneecaps on the couch, and my back is supported.

Alex: What about recently? You may be aware of this very popular couch style called the cloud couch that Restoration Hardware came out with. And really, the concept is simple: it’s cushioning that makes you feel like you’re sitting on a cloud. It’s the deepest, most cushioning, fluffy, unsupportive couch on the market by design. Is there a way to sit in a deep couch? I think 50% of people, if not more, like to sit on a couch with their feet also on the couch, curled up in a corner. We talked about slouching and contorting your body in different ways, but is there a better way to sit with your feet on the couch in your opinion?

Dr. Bond: I just don’t think that you could do it for any length of time without suffering the consequence, especially from too soft of a couch. You will generally have more pain from too soft and too hard of a couch in general. People could fall asleep in a hammock and it feels comfortable for a little while, but without any support, when you stand up your back is killing you.

Alex: Let’s get to the nitty-gritty, the main event: it’s time to buy a couch. I, as your patient, come to you and I ask you for advice. What questions are you asking me about my specific type of back pain or sitting style before recommending a certain type of couch, or are you just ready to make a recommendation of what kind of couch to go for? If it was your job to give couch shopping advice, how would you guide one of your patients?

Dr. Bond: What matters in my mind is the amount of inflammation in your back and neck when you go shopping, because if you have a sore back, you probably will tend to choose something that’s not quite right because it feels good at the time. But a firmer couch should be better, and one that does not allow you to slump. And if you do sleep on your side or on the couch, then a firmer again would be better. But always look for lumbar support, and I guess your couch needs to be long enough so you don’t have to curl up too much.

Alex: Okay, I think I’m ready to recap all of your recommendations and package them together. Tell me if I got this right. Look, if you want to get an overly cushiony couch, if you’re interested in the cloud as a customer, go for it, do whatever you want. If you have a back that gives you issues consistently and you experience inflammation, muscle tightness, arthritis, if you have back issues that are chronic in nature, then you probably want to go for something a bit firmer, something more supportive with lumbar support, where you’re reclining backward at a reasonable angle, not too much where you can’t see my face anymore. And you absolutely don’t want something where the cushions are so upright that they’re pushing you forward because, as you said, that’s the worst sort of a thing. Now if you’re a couch sleeper, you’re saying that is perhaps even more important. If you like to lie down on the couch while you watch TV or go on your phone or whatever it is, to have a firmer, more supportive sit there. And I think firm sofas get a bad rap. They’re generally considered to be uncomfortable, but it sounds like we’re trying to push people in the direction of a firmer, more supportive couch. Was there anything about what I just said that does not track?

Dr. Bond: No, I think that basically is what I would shop for. I might look at the height of the armrest, whether or not if you’re going to sleep on it, or how your arm hangs down on the armrest, things like that. The problem with long couches is that there’s not enough support in the middle as opposed to the two ends. So if you are stretched out, then your spine will tend to sag in that direction and you usually can’t sleep on the same side all the time unless you get up and turn completely in the other direction. But yeah, a somewhat firmer couch, not so hard that you develop pressure points from sitting on it.

Alex: One thing I think you pointed out is that sleeping in one position for an extended period of time, let’s say you are sick or you have the flu and you’re at home all day long doing a binge-watch on Netflix, it sounds like your recommendation would be every single episode of whatever you’re watching, once it ends, you’re doing a little flip and you’re reversing your position. If you’re lying this way, switch sides and go this way as much as possible, correct?

Dr. Bond: Yeah, because if you stay in the same position, you turn around, you’re just facing the seat cushions and that wouldn’t be very entertaining, would it? But the other thing is if you’re binge-watching, you’re going to have back pain pretty much anyway.

Alex: So what would you do if you were home with an illness that you had to recover from? What’s your version as an expert back doctor?

Dr. Bond: I would probably do the same thing. I would sit for a while and then I would lay down for a while, then I’d switch sides for a while. And I’ve had patients where the television has been only in one direction, so they can’t turn like that, and that can also cause problems. But it’s all related to the posture while you’re sleeping or binge-watching.

Alex: It’s interesting. I’ll go to friends’ houses sometimes and they’ll have the TV here, and then they’ll have two couches facing each other. So you sit down on the couch and you’re looking like this, and I’m like, I want to leave Dr. Bond’s card here on the table before I go because they’re going to need it.

Dr. Bond: There you go.

Alex: Let’s talk about some of the ways to remedy pain. Not everybody has a chiropractor that they trust like I do. If I’m real jacked up, I know exactly who to call and make an appointment with, that’s you. I also have a Theragun and I also have a product that you patented and invented yourself. You are an inventor, you have a number of patents, and one of your products has just hit the market, so we are shamelessly promoting it too because I think it’s amazing and it is aptly named the Bond Wand. So let’s talk about the Bond Wand. Let’s talk about the guns and how do you make sense of it all? Would you recommend somebody use both? Let’s talk about the Bond Wand first and explain what it is. What did you invent?

Dr. Bond: The Bond Wand is a fascial stretching device, so you use it to stretch the fascial lining of your muscles and any contractions or what we call trigger points. You could use the Bond Wand and hopefully you won’t have to see a massage therapist every week or even get chiropractic as much as you normally would because any type of muscle strain or tightness you could use the Bond Wand.

Alex: Tell us about the Bond Wand and not just tell us, why don’t you show us the Bond Wand, and I’m going to show you my Bond Wand as well because I love it and use it all the time for my chronic back issues. So I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.

Dr. Bond: Here it is.

Alex: Now it looks pretty intense at first. Why don’t we tell the good people watching exactly what’s going on here?

Dr. Bond: So basically I wanted to be able to work or have a patient work on every part of their body with one device. In chiropractic, we have, like you say, a reputation, and our reputation is that we’re considered one-trick ponies that we do adjustments and that’s all. But that’s not true. We do a lot of muscle work, a lot of trigger point therapy, things like that. So what the Bond Wand does is you’re able to work on all those trigger points with one device. And I made it so that it wraps around your forearm so you don’t have that trouble with your wrist and you use the large muscles of your shoulder to apply pressure.

Alex: There’s a bunch of different attachments to it as well depending on what you want. This one is my favorite one. What would you call this one?

Dr. Bond: I just call it the X thingy, you know.

Alex: And this is the concave one. So if I wanted to work on, let’s say, a trigger point, I would use the round one. I would use that handle on it and work pretty deep in the muscle. If I wanted to work on my neck, I could use a CT one.

Alex: That one’s amazing, yes.

Dr. Bond: But the best thing, I think, is working your hip and your low back, as you say, with the convex one. You can apply a lot of pressure with any one of the attachments.

Alex: You know what? I haven’t tried that specific movement yet, and for me, that’s a particular issue because I have a very long torso and I do a lot of upper body workouts. I swear I work out my core a lot, but my mid-back muscles and hips have a lot to manage, and they often will spasm or just become inflamed. So that’s really cool what you just showed.

Dr. Bond: I like this one, the one with the little knobs on it.

Alex: Oh, I call that one the showerhead.

Dr. Bond: Little knobby thing. But you can get right in there, right where that rib is, and it works really good to dig in there. It’s also good on the shoulder blades. There’s even one that you can do that is just a roller. So if you just wanted to roll your muscles…

Alex: And this is more just for a lighter touch, so gentler pressure.

Dr. Bond: But the other thing is that you can use what I call the short bar, and there you could use it as well. Say you wanted to roll your arm or your leg, all of that. It’s like a mini foam roller that you could apply the pressure and you don’t have to lay on top of it.

Alex: That’s fantastic because nobody likes getting down to the foam roller is one thing, but getting back up, my goodness.

Dr. Bond: And you asked me before about the Theragun.

Alex: Yeah, what are your thoughts on that?

Dr. Bond: People tend to hurt themselves with it. They get sore muscles and then they put it on there and they beat it for a long time. They come in and they’re actually more sore. I don’t know what the answer is. You may use a Theragun but with less percussion or don’t use it as long. Specifically, don’t use it over bony parts because that tends to really spasm them out when they come in.

Alex: Now I’ve used a Theragun on my jaw and have slipped a few times and got myself in the eye and the nose, so it can be quite dangerous. I do agree, I have seen quite a few Theragun injuries, but hey, whatever keeps those patients coming in the door, you know what I mean?

Dr. Bond: Okay.

Alex: That was fantastic. I think you gave us a lot of context and confirmed a lot of things that I think we, as your average couch sitters, probably have thought about before. And I like something that you said about going couch shopping when you’re in more of a healthy body state versus when something’s really bothering you or you’re really sore and it feels good to just put your head down on the armrest. Probably not going to feel good in the long term.

Dr. Bond: Yeah, it’s like going to a winery on a hot day. You might buy something a little too sweet.

Alex: Man, you’re giving us all kinds of advice today, Dr. Bond. Take it easy. Thank you so much for being here with us. You are, at this moment, couch.com’s resident chiropractic expert and back doctor, and I appreciate your time.

Dr. Bond: Oh, thank you, and any questions, feel free.

Alex: Thank you. You can find Dr. Bond, more about him, and the Bond Wand at bondwand.com. Thank you.