7 of the best back massagers for 2022

Back pain is very common and affects 8 out of 10 people at some point in their life. In 2016, approximately 13% of adults aged 20 to 69 in the United States have suffered from chronic low back pain.

This article examines how home back massage tools work, how to choose one, and a few alternatives.

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Back massagers are designed for easy home use. They can be wearable or portable and involve chopsticks or cushions. Some are more expensive than others, and there are options for different budgets.

A person may wish to consult their doctor or professional massage therapist before using a back massager to help manage their pain.

Learn more about back pain here.

Back massagers use different mechanisms to relax muscles and relieve tension, including:

• rotating balls, for a shiatsu-style massage
• vibration
• percussion, measured in pulses per minute (PPM)
• Heat

Using an at-home massager can be helpful for people with mild to moderate back pain.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health cites evidence that massage can help people with chronic low back pain. However, the positive effects appear to be short term.

A case study 2016 also found that massage therapy was effective in relieving chronic low back pain, but the researchers noted that further investigation was needed.

A 2018 study examined the effects of massage therapy and lumbopelvic stability training on low back pain. The researchers found that the combination was more likely to have clinical benefits than massage therapy alone.

Overall, there hasn’t been a lot of research on the effects of back massagers. And as experts note, massage therapy performed by a qualified professional has less risk.

Anyone with persistent back pain should work with a healthcare professional to find the best treatment. Massage therapy may not be suitable for everyone, as the causes of back pain can vary.

Learn more about the types of massage here.

Anyone looking for a back pain massager might consider:

• Pain: Weak and moderate pain tends to answer best to self-directed massage. Anyone with long-term back pain should see a healthcare practitioner.
• Type of massage: Some masseurs offer specific types of massage, such as deep tissue massage, percussion, shiatsu or vibration.
• Massager type: A back massager can be handheld, portable, or pillow-like.
• Heat: Many massagers have optional heating capabilities as the heat can help relieve muscle pain.

The following section explores seven massagers for back pain in more detail.

Please note that the author of this article has not tried these products. All information is purely based on research and was correct at the time of posting.

Rechargeable Shiatsu Massager for Back and Neck Zyllion

For a versatile masseur

This massage pillow is thin and portable, which makes it suitable for travel as well as home.

The rotating balls offer the kneading style used in shiatsu massage and change direction every minute. The product also has a heating function and an automatic 20-minute shut-off function for added safety.

People can also use this massager on other areas of the body. The company offers a 90-day money-back guarantee, a one-year warranty, and free shipping.

The price is $ 74.95.

Mighty Bliss Deep Tissue Back & Body Massager

For a lifetime warranty

This massager is portable and rechargeable. The company claims the battery lasts over 2 hours on a single charge.

Other features include:

• six massage heads
• a percussion motor that propels 3,700 revolutions per minute
• lightweight design

The company also offers a lifetime warranty.

This product costs $ 69.97 on Amazon.

Comfortable Heated Belt Pad for Back Pain Relief with Massage Modes – 6006NB

For a portable size massager

The company claims that this massager can help relieve pain in the back, neck, shoulders, waist, and legs. It can also help relieve period cramps.

It has an adjustable wrap that can extend up to 62 inches.

Other features include:

• four massage motors
• three massage modes
• two massage intensity levels
• two heat levels

The company offers free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The price is $ 62.98.

TheraFlow portable percussion massager for deep tissue

For an expandable power cord

This electric hand-held massager comes with three accessories for shiatsu style massage, acupuncture point and scalp. It also has an expandable power cord.

People can choose from three intensity levels. The company claims that this massager can deliver 2,200 to 3,200 PPM and comes with a one-year warranty.

The product costs around $ 39.99 on Amazon.

Viktor Jurgen portable back massager

For a double head design

This electric massager has two heads to simulate two hand massage therapy. It also has a non-slip rubber grip and an extended power cord.

Other features include:

• an engine capable of operating up to 3,350 PPM
• customizable speed settings
• three sets of different massage heads

The price is around $ 35.99 on Amazon.

MagicMakers shoulder and neck massager with heat

For a portable massager for the back, neck and shoulders

This portable massager is available in two colors. It has eight massage nodes, four large and four small, as well as kneading massage rollers that automatically reverse every minute.

Other features include:

• three levels of speed or strength
• heating
• automatic shutdown after 15 minutes
• a car adapter

The company offers a 30 day money back guarantee.

This product costs around $ 59.99 on Amazon.

Homedics Thera-P Massage Comfort Cushion with Heat

For a cushion style

This massager cushion is portable and comes with home and car adapters.

Other features include:

• five engines
• three massage zones
• two intensity levels
• optional heat setting

The company offers a 30 day money back guarantee.

The price is $ 44.99.

Other options for managing back pain include:

• massage therapy in person
• massage chairs
• massage chair cushions

Consulting a professional therapist is likely to provide the best results. However, it can be expensive and can be inconvenient.

Massage chairs can also be an expensive option, and some require a lot of space. Massage chair cushions, however, are much more affordable and portable.

Back pain is a common problem and massage therapy can help alleviate it.

Home masseurs can provide some of the benefits of professional massage with more convenience and less cost.

However, more research is needed to determine how home massagers work. Anyone with long-term back pain should develop a treatment plan with a healthcare practitioner.