Top 10 Items That Can Help Ease Your Back Pain

Products That Offer Relief from Back Pain

Physical and mental wellness are extremely important in when it comes to quality of life. If left untreated, back pain can have debilitating effects on your mobility and mood. Fortunately, there are many ways to find relief. In addition to medications, there are also braces, cushions, rollers and a variety of other items you can buy. Depending on the cause of your symptoms, these approaches can offer reduced pain and may even help at the source.

Read this guide for solutions to relieve or avoid upper and lower back pain and take measures to protect your overall health and wellness.

1. Heating Pads or Cold Packs

One of the most common back pain management therapies involves putting heat or cold onto the affected area. You can do this at home with specialized cooling or heating pads. Some electronic versions are ideal for use as you relax on a bed or couch and receive treatment. Others attach directly to your body, and then get as hot or cold as you find comfortable. Some cold packs must stay in your freezer until you're ready to use them. If you prefer a disposable version, choose a pad that applies to your skin to create a hot or cold sensation and is thrown away after one use.

2. Specialized Pillows

A good night's sleep helps relieve all sorts of back pain, and the right pillows can be a big part of a quality sleep solution. Check out ergonomic knee pillows that hold your body in a position that eases lower back pain. Using pillows that keep you in comfortable positions while you sleep leads to a restful night and fewer sore muscles the next day. Another option is to get an adjustable bed with a well-cushioned mattress that provides necessary support no matter what sleep position you prefer. While you work, try sitting on pillows that take pressure off the sciatic nerve, which may be connected to your back pain. Better yet, invest in an ergonomic office chair with built-in lumbar support that promotes proper posture when sitting at your desk.

3. Foam Rollers

A popular workout recovery tool that can also be used to ease back pain is a foam roller. Made out of dense foam and shaped like a long tube, these products come in a variety of sizes and textures. To use a foam roller, you lie on top of it while on the ground, pressing your back against it as you roll forward and backwards. Smaller rollers offer more direct, localized pressure, which results in an intense feeling. Since larger foam rollers have more contact area, the pressure to your back is gentler and broader. You can use foam rollers when you feel the effects of a hard workout, or on a regular basis to help condition your sore muscles and prevent injury.

4. Electric Stimulation Units

Another option is electronic stimulation units, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) units. These devices provide small shocks and electric currents that make muscles flex and twitch. As a result, blood flows to the area which speeds up healing. When applied to your back, this method may help relieve muscle strain and tenseness. You can sometimes get these prescribed by a doctor, or you can buy an over-the-counter model.

To operate, strategically place the sticky pads directly onto your skin in the areas where you are feeling sore to have the best impact. Once the pads are in place, adjust the electrical current levels to your comfort. The higher the setting, the more effective the TENS session.

5. Massagers

Electric massagers come in a variety of types, ranging from stationary versions to portable models you can wear. Some models provide a whole chair for full back coverage, while others focus on specific areas. These are the best back massagers for lower back pain, but you can also try neck massagers or mats that deliver pre-programmed patterns you can adjust. If you want deep-tissue relief, consider a massage gun that provides a pounding sensation to loosen and soothe muscles.

6. Back Braces

Braces come in many sizes and different levels of support. Small back braces help support your spine during daily activities, while large braces immobilize entire areas of your body. You can either choose a brace that addresses only areas that hurt, or one that supports your entire back for more complete relief. Try models that align your head and neck vertically for upper back pain, or ones that fasten around your waist to benefit the lower back. Some braces can help correct your posture, which is important because poor posture is often the root cause of back pain.

7. Acupressure Mats

If you don't want an electronic massager, there are mats that provide stationary pressure when you lie on them. These mats have bumps or ridges that push up into your back and create a massaging feeling when you move on them. Some models attach to chairs or your car seat, so you can get pain relief while working or driving. Many yoga mats offer a gentler pain management option that keeps your back flat and supported when you lie down.

8. Topical Treatments

There are many creams and ointments on the personal care market that claim to relieve pain. Some products might help but remember to shop carefully or ask your doctor for recommendations. Certain creams provide a heating or cooling sensation, while others have numbing action. Some moisturize your skin and soothe muscles, which may help your pain decrease over time.

9. Supportive Shoes

Surprisingly, back pain sometimes starts at your feet. Back issues are sometimes caused by long-term standing or walking, so a cushioned pair of shoes can help. Make sure the design of your shoes supports the unique shape of your heels and arches to take the pressure off your back. Properly fitted shoes help your spine stay in alignment, which may correct the cause of your pain as well as relieve symptoms. Many shoe stores, particularly ones that are dedicated to sports like running, have knowledgeable staff who are trained to recognize wear patterns and gait to help fit someone with the best shoes for their body. If you don't want to buy a whole rack of new shoes, these professionals can also suggest pain-relief insoles that fit an existing pair of shoes you own.

10. Supplements and Medications

Back pain can often be a somatic symptom of medical conditions, including chronic mental health issues like anxiety and depression. You can help treat these causes with proper medication. Certain vitamin supplements may help build stronger bones and muscles, which can ease aches or pains. Add exercise to this regimen and you may correct posture issues and spine alignment as well. Painkillers, when taken in correct dosages for a short amount of time and prescribed by a physician, may work well if your pain comes on suddenly. If you’ve been experiencing discomfort for a while, ask your doctor for suggestion on how you can ease your back pain.

Managing your back pain is key

When you find the best back pain management product for you, back pain doesn’t have to debilitate you when it strikes. Consider the cause of your pain, its location and its intensity before you decide which method is the right solution. In combination with professional medical treatment, these handy items can help you live a full life without letting back pain take control. Remember to talk to your doctor before starting any type of home pain management regimen. oducts.

Additional information:

These statements and any information contained herein are intended for educational purposes only and are not meant to substitute for medical care or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. Carefully review product labels for instructions and important safety information and consider consulting with a health care professional regarding your use of health and wellness products.