Are you on a quest to find the best back massagers for back pain?
Then you’re in the right place. Because I have done the hard work for you and have reviewed dozens of models.
In addition, I will introduce the following related topics.
- Product Details (Including advantages and disadvantages)
- Benefits of Using A Back Massager
- Back Massagers for Back Pain Buyer’s Guide
- Types of Back Massagers
- Tips of Using Back Massager
…
Without further ado, let’s begin!
Millions of people around the world suffer from back pain every day. In just the U.S., an estimated 80 percent of the population of adults report frequent lower back pain. Fortunately, only a few conditions that cause back pain require surgery or expensive medical procedures to solve. In fact, the most common things to cause back pain include heavy lifting, sitting too much, and over exerting yourself.
Preventing back pain in the first place is better than trying to deal with it once it has already started. Taking pain medication may relieve back pain temporarily, if you take them constantly. However, massage is able to relieve your back pain and soothe the muscles that are the underlying cause. While getting a massage used to be a luxury that only could be enjoyed with a visit to an expensive health center or spa, medical professionals, including doctors, are starting to view massage therapy as a mainstream treatment option for back pain.
Sciatica, a condition that can be caused by many different factors such as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or herniated discs, is just one condition that has been shown to be improved or managed using massage therapy. Even patients dealing with fibromyalgia can benefit from a high quality back massager, as it can reduce the stiffness and pain that is brought on by this condition.
Ideally, everyone would have the time and money to visit the spa for a few minutes every day. However, getting and keeping an appointment at your local salon isn’t something most people can do daily. It is both time consuming and expensive. Buying a massage chair is also an expensive endeavor. If you can’t afford to spend a small fortune on one, or simply do not have the room, you can still benefit from receiving regular massages using a home back massager. While nothing can quite compare to getting a real massage from a qualified masseuse and their skilled hands, a device to massage your own back still has a great deal to offer.
A good massage will help your body feel more relaxed, reduce your stress and pain, and can even improve your health overall. Nothing is quite like coming home and enjoying a massage after enduring a stress-filled day at work. Feeling the tension in your muscles and stiffness in your body lifting away can relieve the stress that would otherwise build up over time if left untreated.
Most of the personal massagers on the market now are priced at a point that anyone can afford. They are also quite easy to use, most just need to be turned on with a simple flick of a switch and they are ready to use. This will save you time otherwise spent making and traveling to an appointment with a therapist for a massage. In addition, most massagers are small and portable, meaning you can bring them with you when you take trips, or have them nearby for use both at home and when you are at the office.
The Benefits of Using A Back Massager
Obviously, the biggest benefit of using a handheld back massager is relieving pain. It can calm down stiff and sore muscles, improving your flexibility and energy, leaving you feel like a whole new person with improved health. The different back massagers on the market use various techniques or technologies to achieve this pain relief, including:
- Vibration that reduces tension in your muscles.
- Heating elements that use warmth to help muscles relax.
- Rollers aimed at recreating the feeling and effects of a shiatsu-style massage.
- Acupressure that stimulates pressure points to stimulate the areas that relieve pain.
They Can also Benefit You in These Additional Ways
Relieving tension in the upper back
A build-up of stress from repetitive motion or immobility from sitting at a desk for prolonged periods of time often leads to pain in the shoulders or neck. Instead of simply popping a pill for temporary relief, a massage of the upper back can relieve this tension and reduce your pain both immediately and in the future.
Relieving lower back pain
The best back massagers will relieve lower back pain that comes from both overexertion of the muscles or prolonged periods of inactivity. Since they are both lightweight and easy to use, they can effectively be targeted to relieve pain in a lower back that is under strain.
Improved sleep
Stiff and painful muscles can make it difficult to achieve a full night of rest as they make getting comfortable much harder, or wake you frequently when the pain gets too bad. If you are having these types of problems, purchasing a back massager can enable you to relax your aching muscles so that you can fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply.
Simply feels good
Even if you are not in immediate pain, a good massage can improve your outlook and mood as it stimulates the body to produce hormones responsible for a positive mood including seratonin, dopamine, and endorphins. These feel good hormones can even help you eliminate the need for painkillers, as they can relieve pain that is related to depression and anxiety.
Helps promote faster healing
A back massage can improve the range of motion you have for exercise and other daily activities as it can heal muscles that are weakened or strained, even in people who have a history of chronic back pain. A good back massage can even help reduce the amount of scar tissue or stretch marks, both of which can impair how flexible your joints are.
Improved blood circulation
A back massager can increase the amount of blood circulating in the body by promoting improved blood flow. This will increase the amount of oxygen and other nutrients that are headed to your muscles and other organs.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, a back massager can reduce the discomfort felt in the lower back during pregnancy, making labor and delivery a more pleasant experience.
Best Back Massagers for Back Pain Comparison Table
Best Back Massagers for Back Pain
- Thera Cane Massager
- Zyllion ZMA13BK Shiatsu Pillow Massager with Heat
- HoMedics HHP-350 Percussion Action Massager
- Pure-Wave CM7 Cordless Massager Body + Facial (Dual Mode)
- New Five Star FS8812 10-Motor Vibration Massage Seat Cushion with Heat
- Zyllion ZMA14 Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager Cushion with Soothing Heat Function And 3 Massage Styles
- Shiatsu Back Massager
1. Thera Cane Massager
- Cane-shaped massager for easing aches and pains
- Eliminate painful knots in your muscles on your own
- 6 treatment balls for total body massage
- Ideal after long work days or strenuous activities
- Measures 24 x 15 x 1 inches (W x H x D); Lifetime Guarantee
The back massager by Thera Cane isn’t your typical home back massaging device. How does it work? This machine has a cane shape, making it easier to reach the pressure points on your back that other devices have difficulty reaching. It was designed to have 6 balls that are placed strategically to reach every area of your back. These balls will generate the perfect amount of pressure necessary to relieve the pain from muscle knots. Additionally, it can follow the curves of your body without harming your soft and delicate skin.
This massager by Thera Cane is constructed from high-quality materials and feels sturdy in your hand. It was made in the United States of America.
- Simple to use
- No power source needed
- You get to pick which pressure points to target
- 6 balls aimed to target your entire body
- Can be difficult to aim, especially if you are just getting started.
2. Zyllion ZMA13BK Shiatsu Pillow Massager with Heat
- Relieves Sore Muscles: Powerful 3-Dimension Deep-Kneading Shiatsu...
- Versatile: Ergonomic and compact pillow massager fits perfectly behind...
- Makes The Perfect Gift: Give the gift of high-end, high tech comfort...
- Needs To Be Plugged In: The massager needs to be plugged into a wall...
- Reliable Seller: Your 100% satisfaction means the world to us. There...
If you have a busy life or don’t have anyone to help you with your daily massage, this massaging pillow by Zyllion is perfect for you. It can relieve the tightness of your muscles whether in your back, neck, thighs, calves, or abdomen.
This back and neck massager is cordless and uses a shiatsu-style massage along with heat on its 4 nodes that rotate to knead your muscles deeply. It was designed with ergonomics in mind, so that it fits nicely into the curve of your neck or back so you can simply lean back and turn it on to start enjoying the benefits of its massage. It has an automatic shut-off that protects from overheating and turns the machine off after 20 minutes, ensuring that you are safe at all times.
Finally, the Zyllion pillow has straps that are easy to adjust, so you can secure your pillow to your favorite chair or sofa, no matter where you want to enjoy your massage. You just have to figure out where best to fasten the straps so that it is positioned to hit your back or neck, whichever is in most need of relief.
- Easy to use and turn on
- Affordable price
- Portable and easy to move
- Automatic shutoff in 20 minutes to keep you safe
- Simple design that lasts a long time
- Option to add powerful heat
- Adjusts easily
- Versatile in uses
- Constructed from easy-to-clean high quality leather
- Includes a portable adapter as well as a car charger to use on the go
- May not be ideal for all body parts
- Some people feel that the massage nodes are too hard, however they are not painful
- Noisy operation
- You cannot control how often the rollers change direction, which occurs every 5 minutes. This cannot be changed.
3. HoMedics HHP-350 Percussion Action Massager
- LIGHTWEIGHT & PORTABLE: This Handheld Heated Massager is lightweight...
- SOOTHING HEAT FEATURE: This deep kneading handheld massager has an...
- DUAL PIVOTING MASSAGE HEADS: The dual pivoting massage heads operate...
- SIMPLE TO USE: Simply press the POWER button located on the top of the...
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: One HoMedics Percussion Massager with Heat. Two...
Made by HoMedics, the HHP-350 model of back massager has been designed for one specific purpose – to give you a great back massage. This device has two heads that pivot in order to create a percussion-style massage with three settings for speed. You can choose from 3 different massaging heads – gentle massage, soothing heat, and firm massage. Soothing heat is the perfect option if you have frequent pain in your upper back. It has a rubber-wrapped handle that helps ensure you can always have a good grip on your device.
The HHP-350 by HoMedics is a bit large and heavy. You will need a pair of strong hands to manage the percussion massage as it works your back. It might be easier to enlist the help of another person. This product comes with a limited warranty that lasts for 2 years.
- Can be customized with three different massage heads so you can choose the one that best suits the type of massage you want.
- Option for soothing heat
- Balanced weight that applies plenty of pressure
- Great device for the price
- Designed ergonomically
- Includes extensive warranty
- The vibration can travel up your hands and arms
- Can be quite noisy
4. Pure-Wave CM7 Cordless Massager Body + Facial (Dual Mode) – Editors’ Choice
- POWERFUL CORDLESS + RECHARGEABLE: Powerful cordless percussion...
- BENEFITS: Repetitive acute percussion therapy relieves muscle tension,...
- LIGHTWEIGHT EASY REACH DESIGN: Easy to hold extra long handle for hard...
- INNOVATIVE SLIM DESIGN: Cordless to fit your lifestyle. Great for...
There is not much better than a qualified massage therapist when it comes to relieving the tension in your tired muscles. However, the Pure-Wave massager can certainly come close. If has a powerful motor that can relax your body and relieve pain in your neck, back, legs, or anywhere else. It has six heads with multiple tips, and a variable speed motor. This means you can adjust the amount of force you get in your massage, whether you enjoy a gentle massage or a more intense experience.
This model of massager is very highly rated because of its dual motor that offers both vibration and percussion. They enable you to modify how intense the massage is depending on where you are using the device, whether on your face, neck, back, legs, or feet. You can choose from soft, medium, and firm settings.
It also includes massage sticks that can be used for a facial massage, a feature unique to this model. You can apply creams or cleansing products to these for application to your face, just like in a salon or barber’s shop. The vibration on gentle mode can be used to apply lotion and achieve a fresh look and feel that leaves your face revitalized, healthy, and tight looking.
Finally, this model also has a great battery. It includes a Lithium-ion battery built in, so it doesn’t take long to be fully charged and ready to go, yet still lasts a long time on each charge. If you are looking for a great all-around device that has many bells and whistles, this will fit the bill perfectly.
- Quiet, cordless, portable, and lightweight.
- Can be used anywhere on the body, including the delicate face.
- A charge will give about 180 minutes of use, and will last 1-2 weeks when stored in minimum mode.
- Charge time is quite short
- Expensive
- Can be heavy when operating with one hand
5. New Five Star FS8812 10-Motor Vibration Massage Seat Cushion with Heat
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One of the best qualities of these types of massagers is that you don’t have to hold onto them. A handheld device is great for focusing a massage on a particular sore muscle, however, for overall relaxation, a massaging cushion is a better option.
They can be found in several styles, some which you lay down on, and others, like this one, that are used in your favorite chair. These are perfect for those who frequently take long trips by car, people who spend hours staring into a screen in an uncomfortable office chair, or as an addition to your favorite spot to relax at home.
The FS8812 by Five Star contains 10 motors that vibrate, relaxing the entire area it touches, and includes a heating element to warm and relax your lower back. There are no harsh kneading motions, just gentle vibration.
- Massager is large enough to reach from your shoulder down to your thighs.
- Remote control attached for easy use.
- Includes adapters for both AC and DC, to use at home or in the car.
- Included thermostat to adjust heat.
- Easily moves for portability
- Includes warranty.
- This device only offers vibration.
- Only the lumbar and thigh portion of the device includes heat.
- The heat is gentle, some feel it should be warmer.
- Does not easily fit in all vehicle seats.
6. Zyllion ZMA14 Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager Cushion with Soothing Heat Function And 3 Massage Styles
- CUSTOMIZABLE MASSAGE RELIEF: Adjust the position of the massage...
- NOT JUST FOR YOUR BACK: The ZMA14 massager features an extra set of...
- ULTIMATE COMFORT: Use our massage cushion to make any chair the best...
- SAFE TO USE: The ZMA14 has an automatic 15-minute shut off feature...
- LIFETIME SUPPORT: Your 100% satisfaction means the world to us. That...
This is a device that can treat you from the neck down to the hips thanks to how it’s designed. It’s a great back massager for a serious electrical trigger point massage. The seat is designed to vibrate, which has helped people practically heal lower back spasms. It also has multiple settings, such as shiatsu, neck kneading, seat vibrating, and rolling. The powerful rollers tie the entire package together into one popular choice.
- Solidly built, sturdy and durable
- Offers 4 different types of massage
- Multiple settings provide great versatility
- Not designed for smaller people, has a hard time fully reaching back and shoulders
7. Shiatsu Back Massager
- ✿ FOUR ROLLER MASSAGE with AIR BUBBLE OXYGEN ADDING: Four massage...
- ✿ AUTOMATIC INFRARED HEATING AND INSULATION: The highest temperature...
- ✿ FASHION DESIGN with ATTRACTIVE OUTLOOK: it is designed with basket...
- ✿ SMART and EASY: It is designed with a sealing cover and non-slip...
- ✿ All-in-one - Heating therapy, oxygen bubbles massage,...
This neck and back massager has a heating mechanism, allowing it to relax the muscles twice over. It also has 4 massage nodes, which are designed to target difficult to reach muscles. It features bi-directional movement, which works so well it feels like you’re getting a personal massage. In addition, this multi-position massager can massage your shoulders and waist as well as your back and neck.
It’s practically a massager for your entire body! You can also adjust the strength of the massage by pulling or loosening the straps. The knobs also change direction on their own, without any need to change the settings.
This model also features smaller knobs. This allows the knobs to massage into areas that are normally difficult for massage machines to reach. These are areas such as under the shoulder blades or right along the spine. It’s an affordable model, especially when compared to other massage devices with similar features. In addition, it’s small size makes it easily transportable.
- Comes with an AC adapter and a car adapter, allowing you to use it both at home and on the road
- Can massage most body areas
- Affordable pricing
- Material is soft enough not to irritate skin
- Electrical plug means no batteries
- Shuts off automatically after 15 minutes
- Comes with a 90-day guarantee, as well as a 3-year replacement warranty
- Has smaller knobs than similar devices, allowing deep tissue massages into tighter crevices of the body
- Requires an electrical outlet or a car to operate
- Knobs don’t turn in multiple directions at once
- Limited heat output
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Back Massager for Back Pain
It doesn’t take much to convince a person to buy a back massager. However, finding the best back massager is a bit more difficult. There are so many different kinds of makes and models that it can make your head spin! Given that, here’s a useful buying guide. Hopefully, it can help you in making the right choice. When buying a back massager, consider the following things:
Electric or Manual?
There are two ways to operate a back massager, and one might be better than the other for you. Some run on battery power, while others require electrical outlets. Electrical models allow you to avoid the problems associated with running out of batteries, but aren’t quite as portable. An electric back massager also operates without any human input. A manual massager requires human input, but can be much better for targeting specific areas and applying pressure.
Technique
A massaging device has its own approach to helping you relax. Shiatsu massages are pressure-based. They knead your muscles with the goal of long-term stress reduction. Shiatsu massage devices loosen the muscles slowly, vibrating in order to force the muscles to relax. If you’re receiving shiatsu massages already, combining it with the regular use of a massage device can offer even more relief! A massaging device with a heating pad can help even more.
Different Modes
The high tech back massagers offer multiple different settings, each designed to help relax different muscle areas. While a back massage pad with a single setting may be all you need, you can often find quite a bit of benefit by switching between multiple settings. There’s also the question of how much intensity you need. Most massage devices allow you to control the vibration, but some allow you more control than others.
Massager Settings/Strength
Of course, all the settings in the world won’t help if the vibration isn’t strong enough. Some people require heavy-duty massagers that can press deep into their muscles and still vibrate powerfully. Others need a lighter touch. It can be difficult to find the perfect strength if your back massaging pad doesn’t have a wide range of strength settings. It’s important to know how strong the massager is at both its lowest and highest setting, but also how much space there is between those two.
Areas Treated
“The back” may be one area of the body, but it’s made up of multiple areas by itself. Different massage devices focus on different areas of the back and/or neck. A machine that hits both the back and the neck can allow for an even more varied application. You should also check how many ways you can press it against your back. Can it be draped over a chair? Can it be laid down flat? Can you use it in your car?
Price
As one might suspect, back massager can vary drastically in price. You can get a decent quality manual back massager for around $30-$40. Electrical massagers are much more expensive. A budget model can run anywhere from $50 to $100, where as premium models can range anywhere from $200 to $4,000!
However, it’s possible to get a decent electric back massager as a reasonable price if you’re dedicated. There are several top-rated massage seats as well as lumbar cushions that you can find for under $100.
Portability
Consider whether or not you want to take your massage pad with you when you travel. Some models are easy to fold up and carry around. Others aren’t quite as good at that. Even if the back massage pad can be folded up, it might be too weighty to carry in your luggage. Of course, lighter weight models tend to be less powerful, so you have to be careful with what you’re buying.
Acupressure, Heat and Other Features
Massage capabilities are the baseline for massage devices. Many companies provide more, and so many devices have multiple features. Back massagers with heating pads are common, as are back massagers with electrical pulse therapy. There are even devices that have extra acupressure ridges. Sometimes these features are necessary. Other times they’re not. You should consult with your doctor about whether or not these extra features can help you, and base your decision on that.
Types of Back Massagers
There are no two ways about it, life is full of stress. Sometimes, your muscles are just done. When this happens, massage therapy is there to help. Massage parlors and spas all offer help, but you have to find the time to actually go. This is why buying a good back massage pad can be a great purchase. However, before you buy you should think about what you actually need.
The shiatsu massage cushion is designed to be used in the comfort of your own home. All you have to do is plug it in and grab the remote. You can then input your desired settings, and the device does the work from there. The moving mechanism also helps increase blood circulation by running up and down the length of the spine. The lower back pressure can also relieve tension around the hip bones, which many people never consider yet can cause difficulties walking. Make sure to only use these devices as directed.
The kneading massager doesn’t vibrate. Rather, it provides a steady pressure against your back and targets individual muscles using small rollers. It’s similar to the feeling of a massage therapist using their finger knuckles to dig into your muscles. The motion might be inward or outward, depending on the model you choose. Premium models often offer both. Kneading massages can help improve blood circulation by relaxing the muscles around the spine. The reduction of tension around the spine can result in a solid reduction of stress and fatigue.
This type of device is designed to sooth sore back muscles. The massager gives a firm pressure against individual muscles and then vibrates rapidly in order to loosen the muscle. It can also numb the affected area, helping to relieve back pain. Many models come with heating elements, which help them work every better. Make certain to buy a model with adjustable frequency so you can get the massage you need.
This device is a handheld device, offering short-term relief from muscle tension and stiffness. By using this device, you’ll be able to self-massage and reach the areas of your back that are hard to reach. Like the kneading massagers, these can help relieve tension along the spin and improve blood flow. Hook/cane massagers are especially useful for those who suffer pain from injuries or surgeries since they allow the user to target individual muscles.
Tips
Those who suffer certain types of skin disease or osteoporosis should avoid massage therapy unless instructed by their physician. Do not start a new treatment without a discussion with your doctor. This will ensure you don’t further aggravate an injury, and help you pick the one that works best for you should you need one.
Conclusion
No one needs to be told how great a back massage is. But hiring a massage therapist can be expensive. Buying a back massaging device can save you money in the long run. The above back massagers have received a large number of reviews, which means you can use them as a good starting point to finding the right one for you. That said, each one has its own benefits and drawbacks, and they must be taken into account if you’re going to find the best one for your back pain. Good luck!
Take Action
Obviously, you have a huge number of options when it comes to back pain relief. Don’t wait. Read our instructions and find the best possible back massager for sciatica, old injuries, or anything else that’s causing you long term pain. You’ll save money over time by not having to repeatedly hire a massage therapist. Be careful that you don’t hurt your back again with all the money you save!
Editors’ Choice
- POWERFUL CORDLESS + RECHARGEABLE: Powerful cordless percussion...
- BENEFITS: Repetitive acute percussion therapy relieves muscle tension,...
- LIGHTWEIGHT EASY REACH DESIGN: Easy to hold extra long handle for hard...
- INNOVATIVE SLIM DESIGN: Cordless to fit your lifestyle. Great for...
I’m Lucas. I used to be a back pain sufferer, but I’ve recovered. I created BestforBackPain.com to help others find relief without going to physical therapy or expensive medication.
Last update on 2021-01-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API