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Back pain comes for all of us at some point, whether it’s from hunching over a computer or phone screen, lifting heavy boxes during a move, or having underlying health issues like arthritis or osteoporosis. And while you probably have an idea of how common back pain is, seeing the numbers for themselves is pretty staggering. In 2020, for example, the World Health Organization reported that low back pain affected 619 million people globally, and in 2019, a National Health Interview Survey found that 39 percent of American adults experienced back pain. The same 2019 survey found that, as well as women and adults over 65, people below the federal poverty level were among those more likely to experience back pain. That makes it all the more important to have cheap, accessible tools on hand to treat it, like back massagers.
Of course, when you think of back massagers, you probably visualize either a masseuse performing an actual massage or a high-tech handheld massager — both of which are amazingly effective, but quite pricey. And while we do have some handheld massagers on the list ahead, there are also many inexpensive tools that can help you find relief – and which are already well loved by reviewers around the world.
Keep reading to check out 12 top-rated back massagers that really work, according to users.
A version of this article was originally published in February 2016.
Wave Duo
If you’ve ever felt like a foam roller is uncomfortable or doesn’t hit the right spot, the Wave Duo is for you. This small, vibrating roller is specifically contoured to your back and neck, targeting the muscles right along your spine without causing discomfort along your vertebrae. It’s also the perfect size for tucking in your gym back or suitcase while traveling.
ProsourceFit Acupressure Mat and Pillow
Acupressure mats look like torture devices, and it’s true that you’ll feel some pain when you first lie down on this one. After a few minutes, though, users report feeling a warm, tingly sensation as their pain eased — both immediately and, with consistent use, over time. The sharp acupressure points are meant to stimulate your nerves, release tight muscles, increase your circulation, and even relieve stress.
TENS 7000 Muscle Stimulator
This electric massager may look intimidating, but it’s actually a piece of physical therapy equipment — and reviewers (over 90,000 of them) swear by its effectiveness for debilitating back pain. You place the pads on your pain point and the unit sends “comfortable stim impulses” through your skin, which massages and calms the nerve in that area. “In many cases, this stimulation will deliver immediate pain relief,” the brand says.
Hypervolt 2
You’d be surprised how many spots you can reach with the lightweight, easy-to-use Hypervolt 2 massager. With three levels of intensity and multiple attachments for personalized relief, you can run the Hypervolt along the sides of your neck and reach around to aim it at your back muscles — wherever you’re feeling the soreness today.
High-Density Foam Roller
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the ones that really work, and this high-density foam roller is proof. Lying down on this foam roller might seem uncomfortable, but the gentle pressure it applies to your back muscles will feel amazing — and over 100,000 Amazon reviewers agree. Opt for the 36-inch version for a full-body massage, or one of the smaller options for travel and easy storage.
Kieba Massage Balls
Amazon offers many massage ball options, but these options from Kieba are by far the most popular. They’re cheap, portable, and simple to use — just place them where it hurts and move gently to release your muscles and ease your pain. You can use both balls at once to target either side of your spine or ease in with one at a time.
Yansyi Muscle Roller Stick
Use this travel-friendly muscle roller to massage the muscles on the sides of your back as well as your neck and glute muscles (which can get tight and cause back pain). Note that the massage stick is made out of hard plastic and might be most comfortable to use over thin clothing to avoid pinching.
TheraGun Prime
This muscle massager is about as powerful as it gets, designed to ease discomfort and relieve tightness and tension fast. Your back won’t feel the same after you use it.
Thera Cane Massager
Those hard-to-reach aches and pains in your back? Consider them gone with this handy (albeit a little funny-looking) massage tool, which you can hook over your shoulder or around your back to target your pain points.
Wave Roller
Add a little something extra to your foam-rolling routine with TheraBody’s wave roller, which is basically a vibrating foam roller — aka back pain instant relief. Lie down on the roller, roll it along your back, and feel the muscles release one by one.
Zyllion Heated Back and Neck Massager
Replicate the intense relief of a massage with this heated back and neck massager. Place it against your pain points when you’re working, driving, or lying down to feel the effects — one reviewer said it fixed their chronic back pain, and others raved about its effectiveness even years later.
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