10% of the world’s population suffer from back pain at some point. If you’re one of them, you know that you’ll literally try anything to help when you’re suffering!
Yet with so many treatments to choose from, it can be overwhelming (and expensive) to experiment with all the options before finding what’s right for you.
Here at The Good Body we’ve done a little of the hard work for you.
12 Top-rated Products for Relieving Back Pain
We’ve searched the market and put together a list below of the 12 best back pain relief products and remedies:
1. PlayMakar’s Back Care Bundle – Exclusive to The Good Body
A trio of back pain relief tools!
Why just look for one back pain relief product, when you could have three!
This exclusive offer is solely for readers of The Good Body and we guarantee you won’t be able to find it cheaper anywhere else online.
Buy the complete PlayMakar Back Care Bundle for just $229.95 – a massive $189.90 saving on the MSRP!
In this bundle you get everything you need for back pain prevention, maintenance and recovery.
First up is the PlayMakar MVP Percussion Massager…
Delivering powerful strokes you can put it straight to work on your back, neck, spine, or anywhere else that needs relief.
It ships with six unique attachments, including a spade head for your back and neck. With six different speed settings it can really help to improve your range of motion.
Compared to other gun massagers on the market it’s really quiet, and when fully charged lasts for hours.
You also get the PlayMakar SPORT Electrical Muscle Stimulator…
It’s ideal for both acute and chronic back pain thanks to the EMS and TENS programs.
Six EMS programs work by sending electrical pulses to contract your muscles, speeding up the recovery process for back injuries.
Four TENS programs help block the pain signals being sent to your brain, enabling you to better manage your daily pain.
With two separate channels you have the flexibility to tailor the intensity on each one, with 25 different levels to choose from. It’s ideal if you want to treat two areas of your back with different strengths.
Finally, you get the PlayMakar Power Gel Roll-On!
Offering cooling relief from back pain, with all natural ingredients such as arnica and boswellia, it’s ideal for throwing in your bag.
It’s an amazing deal, as you only need to look at other gun massagers available (that have similar features but not the same quality) to see they cost about the same as this whole bundle!
This really is a complete toolkit for prevention, back maintenance and recovery at home, and only readers of The Good Body get a massive 45% off!
2. Mission Farms Relieve CBD Cream
Let the power of CBD work wonders on your back pain
A cream might not be top of your list when looking for a powerful tool to relieve your back pain.
But this is no ordinary cream!
Mission Farms’ Relieve cream is packed with 900mg of full-spectrum CBD.
With anti-inflammatory properties, research has shown CBD to be highly effective at easing chronic back pain.
However you need to be careful as there are a large number of rogue competitor products on the market.
Many contain only the smallest trace of CBD, meaning you won’t get the same effects.
At Mission Farms they use the whole hemp plant meaning you’ll get the full range of benefits.
Based in Oregon, they tend their hemp from seed to harvest, using no chemicals or pesticides in the process.
Soaked in natural sunlight and fed by the waters of the local river, you can be sure you’re getting the highest quality CBD product.
It’s not just great for your pain either! It also contains goat’s milk to rejuvenate your skin.
Compared to other products on the list it’s low cost, plus it isn’t likely to have any side effects and can be used wherever and whenever you need it.
3. Aku Mat
A spiky way to embrace all the benefits of acupressure therapy
Another way to take control of your condition is by exploring the benefits of acupressure therapy.
Unlike acupuncture that uses needles, acupressure uses the pressure of a firm finger. It works by increasing blood flow to painful muscles, encouraging the release of endorphins.
By purchasing an acupressure mat you can enjoy the therapy in the comfort of your own home!
Acupressure mats typically have plastic points to target key healing points, however the Aku Mat takes at-home treatment to the next level.
Covered in 2,710 high-grade metal spikes, you can lie back and start relieving your back pain.
Worried that it looks painful?
We wrote an in-depth review of the Aku Mat after using it extensively and found that it can be at first!
But you quickly get over it and the feeling is incredible.
Thanks to the metal spikes you can enjoy a similar experience to acupuncture without piercing your skin.
It makes you feel both completely relaxed and more invigorated, thanks to the warming sensation you feel throughout your body.
Acupressure has also been shown to help you sleep, so it’s the ideal tool if your back pain is keeping you awake at night.
If you’re concerned about how you’ll get up and down off the floor, then a handheld tool like the Theragun PRO might be more suitable.
Do remember that you can use the Aku Mat on your bed, or roll it up and tuck it into your lower back when seated.
Aku have also created a number of other innovative acupressure products, including one you can hold in the palm of your hand…
4. Resteck Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager
Switch on this classic back and neck massager, and relax…
When you’re looking for back pain relief, sometimes you simply want something you can pop on then sit back and relax.
Resteck’s Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager offers you exactly that, just drape on, position where you need it and enjoy the relief.
Complete with handles, you can position the back massager where you need it, then maneuver it to reach the perfect spot.
It’s so easy to operate with four simple buttons controlling all the different functions. Choose from various massage options, plus heat and vibrations settings to tailor your treatment.
One important thing to note is that you need to be plugged into the mains at all times when using the device.
This is obviously not something you need to worry about with a handheld tool like the PlayMakar MVP Massager or a product like the Aku Mat.
However it does with a handy carrying case and a car adaptor for portability.
Owners of this massager commented on the excellent quality and remarked that it had quickly become a pain relief tool they used to manage their pain daily.
Plus it comes with a lifetime warranty so the manufacturer is pretty sure you’ll love it!
5. iReliev Premium TENS + EMS Pain Relief & Recovery
Discover effective (and electrifying!) back pain treatment with a TENS unit
A TENS unit is a small device that sends electrical pulses to the source of your pain via electrodes that you position on your skin.
It also emits a signal to your brain and spine to reduce the level of pain, and has been widely used in the medical industry since the 1960s[1] for a range of different conditions.
TENS units are available without prescription, and there are a number of different options available ranging in price.
One of the brands we particularly like (and rate highly) is iReliev.
In fact in our roundup of the best TENS units on the market, we gave an iReliev unit the top spot.
The iReliev Premium device also has electric muscle stimulation capabilities, which can be useful for many things, including releasing muscle tightness and muscle recovery.
iReliev’s Premium TENS + EMS Pain Relief & Recovery system has 14 different programs, is rechargeable, and has a backlit and extra-large digital display.
6. Theragun PRO
A powerful handheld massager you can rely on
For a back pain relief tool that really packs a punch it has to be the Theragun PRO.
We reviewed the PRO after months of testing and found it to be both powerful and intuitive.
If you’re not familiar with a Theragun device, they’re essentially percussion massagers that deliver a real deep tissue massage — pounding 16mms into your muscles to be precise!
With four adjustable arm positions and three grips, you can experiment with various combinations to get to all those hard to reach places.
At times it can feel a little heavy to hold in position on your back, but when you find the right spot the relief is incredible.
There are variable speed options and six interchangeable attachments, including the thumb attachment which has been specially created for your lower back.
Choosing your settings couldn’t be easier, you can select them on the OLED screen or sync with the Therabody app where you can control your device and have access to massage programs created to treat back pain.
Investing in the PRO means you’ll never run out of power:
It ships with two swappable batteries, with an amazing 300 minutes of combined battery life.
Compare it to the other products on the list and you’ll quickly see that it is one of the most expensive.
However Theragun do offer a range of different products, including the affordable (and lighter) Theragun mini. Plus you can find a range of cheaper alternatives on the market.
7. Hyperice Back
Strap ice to your back and start to soothe your discomfort
Hyperice are renowned for creating innovative pain relief products, with the Hyperice Back being their original creation.
Made from a high-quality, neoprene wrap, it uses compression to hold an ultra thin ice cell right on the source of your pain.
Cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, has been scientifically proven to be effective for treating low back pain.
If you don’t have the budget for the Hyperice Back, don’t worry! You could recreate it at home with a cold pack or even just a bag of peas.
However the style of the wrap and the way it can administer just the right level of ice makes using cold therapy more convenient and ultimately more effective.
Using a powerful tool like the Theragun PRO or the Resteck massager might be a little daunting, particularly if you’re concerned about making your pain worse.
Hyperice Back is definitely a gentler yet still seriously good way to treat your condition.
8. Back Arch Massager
A simple massage tool for your whole back (and neck!)
Sometimes you don’t need a fancy gadget to tackle your back pain, you just need a simple tool to get right to the source of your pain.
If you don’t mind putting in a little work then you could try the Back Arch Massager from Sharper Image.
Lie back on 30 strategically positioned nodes and enjoy massage therapy to your upper, mid and lower back.
The nodes also have raised acupressure points so you can enjoy the advantages of the therapy (in a softer way than the spiky Aku Mat!).
By pushing your legs gently up and down you can stretch the discs in your back as well as the supportive muscles in your abs.
Smooth nodes at the top of the massager dig deep into your neck, soothing any neck pain which can often go hand in hand with back pain.
Users reported how it helped loosen their back muscles, and how it felt good even just to lie on the massager without moving.
9. Zyllion Shiatsu Pillow Massager with Heat
Compact but powerful massage pillow perfect for your lower back
For those searching for an affordable back pain relief product, there’s the Zyllion Shiatsu Pillow Massager with Heat.
Its compact size (just over 2 inches deep) means it’s ideal for travel, plus it can easily be secured to a chair to work on your lower back.
However don’t be fooled by the size, this massage cushion is still powerful.
The shiatsu nodes deliver a deep and satisfying massage, changing direction every minute to mimic the hands of a real masseuse.
Some users did in fact find it too powerful and even painful on their spine.
Thankfully it comes with a sleeve that you can slide on to lessen the intensity.
Also tucking neatly into your neck, many consumers raved about how successful it had been in dealing with their neck pain.
10. iReliev Far Infrared Heating Pad
Experiment with innovative far infrared and negative ion therapy
Another pain relief option for you to consider for your back is a far infrared heating pad.
Far infrared therapy improves your circulation and brings oxygen and nutrients to the painful area, helping to ease discomfort and relieve inflammation.
If you want a treatment that goes deep into your pain, these rays will permeate right into your upper and lower back.
Choose this mat from iReliev and you can also experiment with negative ion therapy.
The mat combines all-natural jade and tourmaline which, when heated with far infrared rays, releases over 1,500 negative ions per square inch.
Negative ions create “positive vibes” in your environment, producing biochemical reactions that boost your sertonin (happy hormone!) levels.[2]
For ease you get a remote control that you can operate while lying back, allowing you to reach the perfect level of heat you require.
11. Manduka PRO Yoga Mat
Improve your flexibility and relieve your pain through yoga
Though you might be looking for the most powerful tool around to tackle your back pain, sometimes the most effective method can be the gentlest!
Yoga has exploded in popularity over the last few years, with research showing again and again the amazing advantages if offers for a range of different conditions, including back pain.
In fact, there are a number of asanas you can try that are ideal for easing discomfort in your back.
Invest in the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat if you’re eager to get started!
At 6mms thick, it will provide you with more cushioning to protect your joints, than many other rivals on the market.
Plus it has a closed-cell surface so there is nowhere for sweat to hide.
It’s perfect for hard core yogis shopping around for products to improve their practice, as well as complete newbies.
Compared to the other products on this list it does require a little more training. Luckily we’ve put together a list of yoga poses for beginners so you can begin your practice.
12. Red Rooibos Teas from adagio teas
Enjoy a cup of pain-relieving tea!
Pouring a cup of tea has to be one of the easiest ways to start treating your back pain at home!
You might simply think of herbal teas as a tasty treat, but research shows there are a number of them that have properties perfect for pain relief.
Roobios tea in particular contains different types of antioxidants including quercetin, which anti-inflammatory properties.
Choose this loose tea sampler box from adagio teas and you can enjoy peach, orange and vanilla flavors.
They source their teas from artisan farmers, so you be can safe in the knowledge that they contain all-natural ingredients.
6 Free Remedies To Help Alleviate Back Pain
Before you start spending money on a ton of different gadgets, there are many simple things that you can do right now to help.
These aren’t miracle cures for back pain, they’re simple daily changes that, combined with other techniques, can play their part in fighting pain.
These six free (or very cheap) things are a great starting point to assist with alleviating pain and something you could try right now.
1. Exercise
When you visit a doctor to discuss back pain, you’ll most likely initially get a recommendation of exercises that can help or be instructed to try to exercise more.
Even a simple activity such as a brisk walk has been proven to help improve the effects of back and neck pain.
A study into chronic lower back pain for example, found that with core muscle strengthening work the effects of pain were decreased.
There are a number of exercises and sports recommended for people suffering from back pain, however those suffering are advised to speak to their doctor before starting anything too strenuous.
2. Heat and Cold Therapy
Heat and cold therapy can be achieved easily by things you already have in the home, for example a hot water bottle or by using a bag of frozen peas.
If you’re suffering from an acute injury or swelling, then cold therapy is better. If you’re treating muscle stiffness or chronic pain then heat therapy will be more soothing and effective.[3]
However many medical professionals suggest alternating between hot and cold therapy.
Cryotherapy experts Chiltonic explain how it helps:
Heat and ice can be used together in an alternating pattern to create a “pumping” action in the circulatory system by restricting circulation to reduce swelling and then increasing circulation to a particular area.
They go on to describe the benefits of using both therapies:
This alternation between heat and cold may result in an improved range of motion and expedited pain recovery. This type of therapy is typically used when an injury is at a week or longer maturity, and heat or ice alone has not worked.
3. Staying Hydrated
Dehydration causes many different symptoms and problems within the body, however one of the lesser known impacts of dehydration is back pain.[4]
That’s because the inner parts of the discs within our back consist primarily of water which is used up throughout the day as our spine is put to work.
Then at night our back begins the process of rehydrating for the day ahead, which is why we wake up taller than when we went to bed!
It’s important too to not simply wait for your body to tell you when you’re thirsty, as this means you’re already dehydrated.
4. Meditation
Meditating at home is another free tool you have at your disposal to improve your back health.
Research has shown that particularly in the treatment of lower back pain, meditation and mindfulness, both of which focus on relaxation and stress reduction, can alleviate symptoms.
There are two different approaches, one where you focus on a single mantra and are taught to ignore the feelings of pain you’re experiencing, or a mindful approach where you concentrate on the pain and learn to control it.
There are a number of different techniques online to help you get started.
5. Yoga
It’s a fact — yoga is a proven way to build strength and ease pain in your back.
Research shows it can also help with the associated issues back pain can cause such as anxiety, depression and disturbed sleep.
The best part is you can get started easily for free, by exploring our list of yoga poses for back pain.
6. Journaling
Writing in a journal might seem like an odd way to manage the discomfort in your back, but research proves that it can help.
That’s because it makes you more aware of the feelings of anxiety and frustration associated with your pain, and helps you learn new ways to manage your stress responses.
Though there are a range of journals on the market you can buy, including ones specifically focused on mindfulness, a simple notepad will work perfectly.
Take a look at some journal prompts for people with chronic pain to help you get started.
5 of the Most Common Causes of Back Pain
Sometimes finding the right solution for your back pain means working out what caused the pain in the first place.
There are a number of common causes that can be a good place to start, however it’s always essential to speak to a medical professional who will be able to identify the root of the issue.
1. Weekend Activities
Weekend activities are one of the most common causes of back pain.
After a week of relatively sedentary work, people, referred to as ‘weekend warriors’, spend the weekend doing strenuous sporting activities or spend hours doing heavy garden work, tasks that their bodies simply aren’t prepared for, causing back pain and back injuries![5]
2. Bad Posture
Slouching or not thinking about the way you sit on a daily basis is a common cause of back pain.
Plus bad posture and computer use seem to go hand in hand.[6]
With 74% of Americans using a computer daily as part of their employment[7], it’s unsurprising that treatment for daily chronic back pain is on the increase.
Correcting your posture can have many benefits, and not just for your back!
3. Lack of Exercise
A lack of exercise leads to a lack of flexibility as well as weak muscles throughout the body, causing back pain.
Plus a lack of exercise can often mean you’re carrying extra weight which is putting additional strain on the body, specifically on your spine.
42.4% of adults are thought to be obese in the U.S.[8]
4. Pregnancy
There are some female specific back pain causes such as differences in the pelvic structure and hormonal changes, as well as back pain associated with pregnancy.
Pregnancy can really take its toll on your back, however there are a number of different techniques and treatments you can try to relieve the pressure.
About 50% of women will have a complaint of back ache during pregnancy.[9]
5. Stress
A number of studies have also looked at the psychology of back pain, specifically the impact that stress has on your lower back.
A recent study looked at how mindfulness techniques could be used to alleviate stress in back pain patients with positive results.
Acute vs Chronic Back Pain
Is your pain acute or chronic?
Understanding your pain and finding the right treatment, often starts with understanding whether you’re suffering from acute or chronic back pain.[10]
Acute pain last hours or weeks, it is triggered by an illness or accident and is predictable and relatively easily treated.
Chronic pain lasts months to years, it is caused by a longer term condition such as arthritis and is unpredictable making it difficult to treat.
Back Pain Treatment
As well as so many different products and remedies to choose from, there are also a number of different treatments available for you to consider.
A Physical Therapist could be an option?
In fact, an award winning study in 2015 demonstrated substantial potential for lowered costs and reduced healthcare utilization for patients who received, and adhered to, physical therapy for low back pain.
Physical therapy also has wider benefits for your health and is a growing profession.
Considered a Chiropractor?
Over 35 million Americans see a Doctor of Chiropractic each year, so it could be an option worth considering for your back pain.
Choosing the right chiropractor is essential to make sure their approach and experience suits you and your condition.
Maybe Acupuncture?
Research has shown that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of low back pain, not just as a placebo but offering true pain relief.
Conclusion
When you suffer from acute or chronic back pain you have so many remedies and products, as well as a vast array of different treatment options, to choose from.
It can be frustrating and sometimes costly when you’re working out what’s right for you, however only pain sufferers understand that we’ll literally try anything!
Remember to speak to a medical professional, preferably your doctor before trying any of the above products and remedies, not only so they can advise on the safety but also as they may have their own recommendations on what is right for you.
Now you have the lowdown on the best back pain relief products, why not learn a little more about back massagers?
We’ve explored the market and shortlisted the most effective tools out there right now (plus compiled a handy buying guide).
Alternatively take a look at some shocking back pain statistics — you might be surprised!
References
- The Good Body (2019). TENS Therapy for Pain Relief: Everything You Need to Know! [Online]. Available from: https://www.thegoodbody.com/tens-therapy/ [Accessed 11 July 2021]. ↩
- Mann, D. (2002). Negative Ions Create Positive Vibes [Online]. WebMD. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/negative-ions-create-positive-vibes [Accessed 12 July 2021]. ↩
- Marcin, J. (2019). Treating Pain with Heat and Cold [Online]. http://Healthline.com. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-pain/treating-pain-with-heat-and-cold [Accessed 12 July 2021]. ↩
- Apec Water (2021). Is Your Back Pain Caused by Dehydration? [Online]. Available from: https://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water_heal/medical1/1-dehydration-cause-back-pain.htm [Accessed 12 July 2021]. ↩
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2020). Low Back Pain Fact Sheet [Online]. Available from: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Low-Back-Pain-Fact-Sheet [Accessed 12 July 2021]. ↩
- Better Health Channel (2020). Computer-related injuries [Online]. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/computer-related-injuries [Accessed 12 July 2021]. ↩
- U.S. Department of Education (2018). A Description of U.S. Adults Who Are Not Digitally Literate [Online]. Available from: https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2018/2018161.pdf [Accessed 12 July 2021]. ↩
- Trust for America’s Health (2020). The State of Obesity 2020: Better Policies for a Healthier America [Online]. Available from: https://www.tfah.org/report-details/state-of-obesity-2020/ [Accessed 12 July 2021]. ↩
- The Good Body (2020). 39 Back Pain Statistics (To Send a Shiver Down Your Spine) [Online]. Available from: https://www.thegoodbody.com/back-pain-statistics/ [Accessed 12 July 2021]. ↩
- Grichnik, K. and Ferrante, F. (1991). The difference between acute and chronic pain [Online]. National Library of Medicine. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1875958/ [Accessed 12 July 2021]. ↩
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