We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.
Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
Massage therapy may help relieve back pain. An at-home massager may be an affordable and convenient way to manage the pain in the short term.
Back pain is widespread, affecting eight out of ten people at some point in their lives. In 2016, roughly
This article lists 7 back massagers that people can use to help alleviate back pain. We also look into the effectiveness of at-home back massagers, provide tips on choosing a suitable massager, and outline some alternatives.
- For a versatile massager: Zyllion Rechargeable Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager
- For a lifetime warranty: Mighty Bliss Deep Tissue Back and Body Massager
- For a wearable waist massager: Comfier Heating Waist Belt Pad for Back Pain Relief with Massage Modes – 6006NB
- For an extendable power cord: TheraFlow Handheld Deep Tissue Percussion Massager
- For a double-head design: Viktor Jurgen Handheld Back Massager
- For a wearable back, neck, and shoulder massager: MagicMakers Back Neck Shoulder Massager with Heat
- For a cushion style: Homedics Thera-P Massage Comfort Cushion with heat
Back massagers are tools for massaging the back. There are many types and styles, including:
- handheld devices
- wearable devices
- massage cushions
A back massager may help to alleviate mild-to-moderate back pain and reduce stress levels.
A person may wish to consult their doctor or a professional massage therapist before using a back massager to help manage their pain.
Back massagers use different mechanisms to relax muscles and ease tension, including:
- rotating balls, for a shiatsu-style massage
- percussion, measured in pulses per minute (PPM)
- vibration
- heat
Using an at-home massager may be helpful for people with mild-to-moderate back pain.
The
A
Overall, there is very little research into the effects of back massagers. And as experts note, massage therapy from a trained professional is likely to be more effective and to pose
Anyone with ongoing back pain should work with a healthcare professional to arrive at the best course of treatment. The causes of back pain can vary, and massage therapy may not be suitable for everyone.
Manufacturers of back massagers claim that these devices work by boosting circulation to the back muscles. This helps to:
- ease muscle tension
- reduce painful muscle contractions and spasms
- ease nerve compression
Massage can also help to promote full-body relaxation.
Below are some factors a person may want to consider before choosing a back massager:
- Pain levels: Massage may be a
suitable therapy for individuals with mild to moderate back pain. Anyone experiencing severe or long-term back pain should consult a healthcare professional. - Massage type: Some back massagers offer specific types of massage, such as:
- shiatsu
- deep tissue
- percussive
- vibration-based
- Massager style: Back massagers are available in various styles, including:
- handheld
- wearable
- cushions
- Heat: Many back massagers have optional heating capabilities to help further alleviate muscle pain.
The following section explores seven of the best back massagers for back pain.
How we choose products
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
- Price: They are available for a range of budgets.
- Features: They have a variety of features to suit different needs.
- Suitability: They come in a range of styles and sizes.
Below are some back massagers available online.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
For a versatile massager: Zyllion Rechargeable Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager
- List price: $149.95
- Best for: muscle tension or pain in the lower back
- Type: kneading with rotating balls
- Deep tissue or surface level: deep tissue
- Heat: yes
- Pros: has a heat function and massage rollers that change direction for a shiatsu-style massage
- Cons: may take a while to heat up
This massage pillow is slim and portable, making it suitable for travel as well as home use.
Rotating balls provide a shiatsu-style kneading massage. The balls change direction every minute to help reduce muscle tension.
The product also has a heating feature and a 20-minute automatic shut-off function for safety.
People can use this massager on their back, as well as other areas of the body, making it particularly versatile.
The company offers the following:
- free shipping
- a 90-day money-back guarantee
- a 1-year warranty
For a lifetime warranty: Mighty Bliss Deep Tissue Back and Body Massager
- List price: around $75
- Best for: muscle knots
- Type: handheld device, with a 3,700 PPM percussion motor
- Deep tissue or surface level: deep tissue
- Heat: no
- Pros: rechargeable and has 6 massage attachments
- Cons: no heat function
This handheld massager features the following:
- a lightweight design
- 6 massage heads
- a percussion motor that powers 3,700 revolutions per minute
The massager is rechargeable. The company states that the battery lasts for over 2 hours on a single charge.
The company also offers a lifetime warranty.
For a wearable waist massager: Comfier Heating Waist Belt Pad for Back Pain Relief with Massage Modes – 6006NB
- List price: $62.98
- Best for: upper or lower body pain and menstrual cramps
- Type: wearable, with three vibrating massage modes
- Deep tissue or surface level: surface level
- Heat: yes, 2 levels
- Pros: adjustable levels of massage, vibration, and heat
- Cons: surface level massage may be less effective than a deep tissue massage
This massager fits around a person’s waist, and features an adjustable wrap that can extend to 62 inches (in).
Other features include:
- 4 massage motors
- 3 massage modes
- 2 massage intensity levels
- 2 heat levels
The company states that this massager can help relieve the following types of pain:
- back, neck, and shoulder pain
- leg pain
- menstrual cramps
The company offers free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For an extendable power cord: TheraFlow Handheld Deep Tissue Percussion Massager
- List price: around $50
- Best for: a back massager for home use
- Type: 2,200–3,200 PPM with attachments
- Deep tissue or surface level: deep tissue
- Heat: no
- Pros: variable power speed with 3 attachments
- Cons: less portable than other options
This electronic handheld massager comes with three attachments for the following types of massage:
- shiatsu-style
- acupoint
- scalp massage
The massager delivers between 2,200–3,200 PPM and people can choose from three intensity levels.
An extendable power cord makes it easier for people to access parts of the body that may otherwise be difficult to reach.
The product comes with a 1-year warranty.
For a double-headed design: Viktor Jurgen Handheld Back Massager
- List price: around $36
- Best for: people with head, neck, back, shoulder, leg, or feet pain
- Type: percussion
- Deep tissue or surface level: deep tissue
- Heat: no
- Pros: customizable massage options, with multiple attachments
- Cons: some reviewers report the product is heavy
This electric massager has two heads to simulate two-handed massage therapy. It also has a nonslip rubber grip and an extended power cord.
Other features include:
- a motor that can run up to 3,350 PPM
- customizable speed settings
- 3 sets of massage heads
For a wearable back, neck, and shoulder massager: MagicMakers Back Neck Shoulder Massager with Heat
- List price: around $50
- Best for: neck, shoulder, back, and waist pain
- Type: wearable for a shiatsu-style massage
- Deep tissue or surface level: deep tissue
- Heat: yes
- Pros: automatic shut-off function and multi-directional massages
- Cons: some reviewers report it is noisy
This wearable massager is available in two colors, and features the following:
- 8 massage nodes; 4 big and 4 small
- kneading massage rollers that auto-reverse every minute
- 3 speed levels
- 3 intensity levels
- a heating function
- automatic shut-off after 15 minutes
- a car adapter
The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For a cushion style: Homedics Thera-P Massage Comfort Cushion with heat
- List price: $39.99
- Best for: tense or tight muscles
- Type: vibrating shiatsu-style massage
- Deep tissue or surface level: both
- Heat: yes
- Pros: fits most chairs and has multiple programs for a customizable experience
- Cons: some reviewers report it is not suitable for shorter people
This massager cushion is portable and comes with adapters for the car and home.
Other features include:
- 5 motors
- 3 massage zones; upper, middle, and lower back
- 2 intensity levels
- an optional heat setting
The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The following table compares the back massagers in this article.
| List price | Type | Deep tissue or surface level | Heat | Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zyllion | $149.95 | kneading with rotating balls | deep tissue | yes | heat function | may take a while to heat up |
| Mighty Bliss | around $75 | handheld device | deep tissue | no | rechargeable | no heat function |
| Comfier | $62.98 | wearable | surface level | yes | adjustable levels of massage, vibration, and heat | may be less effective than deep tissue massage |
| TheraFlow | around $50 | percussion | deep tissue | no | variable power speeds | less portable than other options |
| Viktor Jurgen | around $36 | percussion | deep tissue | no | customizable massage options | may be heavy |
| MagicMakers | around $50 | wearable | deep tissue | yes | automatic shut-off | may be noisy |
| Homedics | $39.99 | shiatsu-style | both | yes | fits most chairs | may not be suitable for shorter people |
The
The following can help a person maximize the benefits and reduce the risks of back massagers:
- talking with a healthcare professional about plans to use a back massager
- using massage devices for short-term pain relief, and not for acute problems or underlying conditions
- applying the massager to muscles, and avoiding joints and bones
- reducing the massage speed and intensity when applying the device to sensitive areas
- stopping use of the massager if the pain seems to get worse
Other options for managing back pain include:
- In-person massage therapy: A visit to a professional massage therapist will
likely provide the best results. However, this option is typically more expensive and less convenient than at-home massage using a massage device. - Massage chairs: A massage chair can provide good results. However, a chair can be an expensive option, and some require a lot of space.
- Massage chair pads: A massage chair pad is a good alternative to a massage chair. These pads are portable and require less storage space. They are also more affordable.
Below are some answers to common questions about these products.
Can you use a massager on the lower back?
A
However, a person should avoid applying percussive, kneading, or rolling massagers directly to the spine or other bone tissue. These devices are designed for use on muscles, not bones.
Can a massage gun make back pain worse?
Incorrect use of a massage gun can worsen back pain. Factors that could increase pain include:
- applying the massage gun directly to the spine
- using the massage gun at too high an intensity
- using the massage gun for too long
A person should start out with brief sessions that are both low speed and low intensity. If this feels comfortable, a person can gradually increase the speed or intensity.
What is the best massage to get for back pain?
The best massage for back pain depends on several factors, including:
- the type of pain the person is experiencing
- how long the person has had the pain
- the type of massage therapy the person’s healthcare professional has suggested
- whether the person prefers a massage cushion, a handheld massager, or a wearable device
Back pain is a widespread problem and massage therapy may help provide relief. At-home back massagers may provide some of the benefits of a professional massage at greater convenience and at a reduced cost.
There are several styles of back massager, including handheld devices, wearable devices, and cushions. Massagers may also differ in the types of massage they provide, with options including kneading, shiatsu, percussion, and vibration. Some devices come with removable massage heads, adjustable speed and intensity settings, and heat function.
Research suggests that back massagers may provide short-term relief from mild-to-moderate back pain, and may help temporarily reduce stress levels. However, anyone with severe or chronic back pain should visit their doctor for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.