You never know just how many products there are for something until you need one. This is especially true of back pain remedies, which often promise miraculous results. When I began looking for the best remedies for my chronic back pain, I spent a great deal of time researching and even self-testing a great number of products. BackPained.com is a result of this ongoing research.
What you’ll find here is down-to-earth discussions of products and treatment methods with the goal of helping you narrow down the options to those which might work best for you. And the “you” is key here, as everyone’s story and pain is unique. I’m not a professional, just a regular Joe who’s struggled with back pain, so be sure to consult with your doctor before attempting a treatment option.
~ Adam
Products for Back Pain Relief
There are quite a few products out there for back pain, some of which help with stretching and exercise – two crucial factors in reducing many types of back pain. Others provide support to reduce pain when walking or sleeping. Depending upon the type of back pain you suffer from, you may benefit from one product or a combination.
Acupressure Mats
You remember the old saying “never judge a book by its cover”? Well Uncle Fester actually knew what he was doing when he built his bed of nails. Acupressure mats use thousands of small, sharp plastic spikes instead of metal nails and won’t break skin. Despite sounding painful, they cause the body to release endorphins which actually help reduce pain in the same way that acupuncture does – at a fraction of the cost.
Back Stretchers
Sometimes the best way to reduce pain is with a good stretch. Back stretchers are like the arch support in your shoes – only for your back. They’re small, portable and really help with pain caused by poor posture and other conditions.
Back Support Cushions
Having proper support for your back is vital when sitting for long periods. Unfortunately, many chairs don’t have proper ergonomic support. The highly portable back support cushion can attach to almost any chair, turning a hard or rigid surface into something soft and ergonomic.
Back Traction Devices
Useful for a wide variety of spinal issues, these devices stretch the back, allowing the spine to safely decompress. This form of treatment is frequently used in physical therapy and can now be performed in the comfort of your own home.
Heating Pads
When you want immediate relief, few things are better than a heating pad. Whether it’s a cheaper pad or a more advanced far infrared device, there are plenty of quality choices out there.
Inversion Tables
Inversion tables are a popular alternative to traction devices. By strapping into the table, you can easily rotate your entire body at an upside-down angle to aid in blood flow and decompress the spine. Likewise, inversion chairs take up less space and have similar benefits. Read more about inversion therapy.
Mattress Toppers
For those times when you can’t afford a new mattress, the humble mattress topper can be a real lifesaver. These pads provide additional softness to help your back keep better alignment as you sleep.
Neck Traction Devices
Sometimes referred to as cervical traction devices or neck stretchers, these products can be really helpful in alleviating neck pain caused by accidents or ongoing conditions in the comfort of your home. As with back traction, cervical traction allows the vertebrates of the neck to decompress, alleviating symptoms. Read more about home cervical neck traction.
Office Chairs
Sitting in a chair all day is certainly not good on your back. The good news is that a variety of office chairs are available that were designed specifically for reducing back pain and supporting the spine.
Pillows
One of the most essential sleep aids, having a good pillow can work miracles for your back. Body pillows give a high degree of support, while pillows for neck pain ensure your head rests at the proper angle. There are also pillows for side sleepers, pillows for back sleepers, and even pillows for stomach sleepers.
It’s best to own at least one of these specialty pillows to help ensure your spine has the best possible support and alignment.
- Best Pillows for Back Sleepers
- Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
- Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers
- Best Pillows for Neck Pain
- Best Body Pillows
Recliners
When you want a comfy, relaxing chair, it doesn’t get much better than a recliner. Therapeutic recliners are designed to better support back conditions than regular models while also providing general comfort.
Shoes for Back Pain
It’s no secret that the body is connected in a complex network of nerves, meaning pain in one place can be transmitted somewhere else entirely. A good pair of shoes can work wonders for back pain sufferers. Whether you need men’s shoes or women’s shoes, you can find a comfy pair that have a therapeutic feel without looking the part.
TENS Devices
Electro-stimulation of the muscles can alleviate pain from a large number of conditions. Some units have wired electrodes while others are wireless and designed for more specific areas. No matter which one you choose, TENS treatments at home are far cheaper than doing them at a chiropractor’s office.
Pinched Nerve Relief
Pinched nerves can cause all sorts of pain which can’t be treated the same way as a muscle or spinal issue. Dealing with a pinched nerve in the shoulder requires different methods than a pinched nerve in the back, which requires different methods than pinched nerves in the neck.
As this type of problem can happen to anyone, especially those who lead an active life, understanding how to relieve the affected nerve can be crucial.
Specific Advice for Back Pain Relief
When struggling with back pain, you want a product or treatment method that will be effective for your specific condition. Since no method is 100 percent guaranteed, finding the best options for your own circumstances often means asking the right questions.
What’s the Best Way to Sleep with Back Pain?
Did you know that certain positions have a stronger effect on your back pain? Understanding how different positions affect your back, the best way to get in and out of bed, and how different accessories (such as mattresses) can greatly reduce your pain can make life far more livable.
What Type of Pillow is Best for Me?
Providing good support at night is important, but how do you know which pillow provides the best support for your sleep habits? Since the right pillow can give better support than a mattress but can often be almost as expensive, it’s essential to choose carefully.
Can Gas or Bloating Cause back Pain?
Pressure of any sort can affect the nerves in your back, but how do you deal with pain potentially caused by bloating or excessive gas?
Does Trigger Point Therapy Work for Back Pain?
Trigger point therapy is used for a wide variety of pain issues, but how does it help your back? While full trigger point therapy is expensive and requires extensive training, there are some simplified methods available you can do in the comfort of your own home.
Why is There Pain after an Epidural Injection?
Epidurals are meant to reduce pain, but sometimes they can cause pain as well. Why does this happen and what can you do about it?
Can the Flu Cause Lower Back Pain?
Have you ever caught the flu only to feel pain in the lower back? One would imagine pain in the upper torso from coughing, but this isn’t always the case. What do you do if you suspect the flu is responsible for your back pain?
Why Does My Back Hurt When Breathing?
Breathing is a necessity, although you might wish it wasn’t when your back aches every time you inhale. Thankfully, where the pain is located can tell you a lot about the cause.
Why do I Get Back Pain After Eating or Drinking?
Another necessity of life can also cause pain. Understanding why can help you put an end to this frustrating side effect.
Why do I Have Lower Back Pain When Constipated?
Constipation is never fun, but it’s even worse when it’s contributing to back pain. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the pain while waiting to do your thing.
What’s Causing the Pain Between My Shoulder Blades?
Having pain between the shoulder blades can hinder your posture, leading to lower back issues as well. Unfortunately, the cause isn’t always obvious.
How Can I Stop Back Spasms Fast?
There are few things worse than sudden, sharp back spasms, but that doesn’t keep you from putting an end to them quickly.
Why do I Get Pain in My Buttocks When Sitting?
Perhaps the most padded part of your body isn’t always good at stopping pain. But what do you do when sitting down causes back issues?
Why Does My Back Hurt When I Cough or Sneeze?
Both coughing and sneezing are important (if not annoying) bodily functions, but what can you do if they’re causing back pain?
Why do I Feel Nauseated When My Back Hurts?
These two conditions have some distinct ties, But what is this connection and what can you do about it?
What’s the Best Medicine for Back Pain?
Amid all the controversy regarding pain medications, you might be hesitant to try one, but sometimes the pain is so high you have no choice. Knowing which pain meds are most likely to work for you can be trial and error, but there are ways to narrow down the choices.
Does Acupuncture Help with Pain Relief?
You’ve heard the stories, but does acupuncture really work? And what’s the process like?