It is determined that 80 percent of Americans suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. And the Cleveland Clinic reports that two percent of the workforce is sidelined by back pain every day. With numbers like this, it’s not so shocking that back pain is the second most regular reason people visit their family doctors. Luckily there are the best back massagers to help relieve tension and soothe soreness.
Back massagers can be divided into two main categories: Vibrational and shiatsu. Dr. Todd Peterson, a former college and pro football player and a chiropractor based in Chicago, says that percussive also known as vibration-powered back massagers are helpful to “gate” pain. As Peterson describes, nerves can only transmit one signal at a time, and the fastest signal is read by the brain first.
Since vibrations move faster through the body than dull soreness does, a vibrating massager outruns aches and makes it harder for your brain to read the other, uncomfortable sensation. On the other hand, Shiatsu massage focuses on deep kneading, paying attention to stress points on the body. Shiatsu is excellent for specific points of pain, like the knot in your shoulders or your aching middle back; vibrating massagers are suitable for general relaxation of an entire tense or tired area.
How Do You Choose the Right Massagers?
Since there are so many different kinds and causes of back pain, there is no surprise that there are many massage tools’ styles and shapes. Picking the one that’s right for you is all about finding the best locations where your pain usually is shoulders or lower back and whether you need a shoulder massager or handheld massager gun. Here, the 12 best back massagers that will help you from all these confusions.
Related Article: Best Percussion Massager
Below are our recommendations for the best back massagers.
Costway Shiatsu kneading massage shawl would be the best choice for you. This 3D rotation kneading massage rollers in ergonomic U-design, perfect to use on neck, back, shoulder, arm, hip, legs calf foot. Clockwise and anti-clockwise rotation kneading massage, with the optional heat function with high temperature and low temperature that soothes aching muscles and simultaneously improve blood circulation. This neck massager has a longer massage belt size, arms will feel better during use.
Features:
- High quality
- With 6 massage nodes
- Rotation kneading massage rollers
- Perfect to use on neck, back, shoulder, arm, hip, legs calf foot massage
- Soothing heat therapy
- Temperature adjustable
- Speed adjustable
- Longer massage belt
- With AC home adapter and Car adapter
Are you still looking for a cushion suitable for car massage? This massage cushion will meet your needs!
Memory foam vibrating massage & heated seat cushion is a great companion for cold winter days. Its ultra-soft plush cover feels luxurious and provides a comfortable touch. Equipped with 5 massage modes, 4 selective massage zones, and 3 intensity levels, it allows you to custom your own massage therapy according to your needs. In addition, it has 6 vibration motors with optional lumbar & seat heating function, which brings soothing warmth to the body while promoting blood circulation, reduce muscle tension and deeply relieve your lumbar pain. The massager can be used on a sofa, couch, recliner, or office chair to make the ultimate comfortable seat in the house.
Features:
- 6 massage motors
- Release stress, fatigue, tight muscle, improve blood circulation
- Lumbar & seat heating brings gentle and soothing warmth to the body
- 5 pre-programmed modes, 4 massage zones, and 3 intensity levels to provide customized massage
- Side pouch can have your remoter in place for convenient maneuver
Relax your upper body with Pur Relaxation Shoulder, Neck & Back Massager. With this massager, you will experience a deep tissue massage, relieve muscle pain, and relax your neck, shoulder, and back after a long day. Its soothing heating function takes your massage experience by reducing tension, alleviating stress, lessening anxiety, improving sleep, increasing circulation, and promoting relaxation. It has an automatic 15-minute timer that instantly powers down after each cycle.
Features:
- The soothing heating function reduces tensions, alleviates stress, lessens anxiety & more
- 15-minute timer automatically powers down after each cycle
- Shiatsu massage relaxes shoulder, neck & back
- Portable & easy to operate
Resteck Massagers make you discover simulated massage that feels like a professional’s hands are working wonders because of its 3D Kneading Nodes. With the ability to customize the direction, heat, and speed- you get penetrating relief that reaches deep under your skin. With a 4-button control that simple & intuitive, you can fine-tune your session to perfection. Plus, the 2 smart loops of our portable massager allow you to rest your hands while enjoying total relaxation. It releases chronic muscle tension, alleviates stress, relieves tightness, minimize aches and pains and soothe soreness all in a single go and never let muscle pain keep you from enjoying your day to the fullest.
Features:
- Alleviate acute pains & muscle soreness
- Enjoy a deep massage even on the go
- Control heat & stimulation to your needs
- Massage every inch of your body
Zyllion’s Multi-Use Shiatsu Pillow Massager lets you enjoy a fantastic Shiatsu-style massage anytime, anywhere! The ergonomic construction contours to your body to perform a deep-penetrating massage while supporting your lumbar area. Its 8 deep-kneading rotating and rocking nodes work wonders to relieve aches, knots, and muscle tension.
Features:
- The Perfect Gift for Anyone
- Use at Home, Office, or Car
- High-Intensity Massage
With RENPHO neck back shoulder massager, you’ll be able to enjoy professional therapist grade massage on your shoulder and back in your own home, office, or car. The portable massage machine combines shiatsu, kneading, rolling, and heat function to help you melt your stress and tension away and give your whole body pain relief from neck, shoulder, back, waist, abdomen to thighs.
Features:
- Buffer Massage Heads
- Soothing Heat
- Fast Heating
- 3 Intensity Levels
- 15 Mins Auto-off
- Deep Tissue Kneading
- 42in Adapter Cable
- 89in Handle Belt
The Thorex Massager is a hands-free, easy-to-use device that will bring relief to your entire back as well as the soft tissue that surrounds the spine. By spreading the pressure over a large area, the Thorex Massager limits the discomfort that this type of treatment would normally cause. In just minutes, you can improve your thoracic extension, increase your soft tissue mobility, and promote spine alignment.
Features:
- Hands-free & easy-to-use
- Spreads pressure over a large area
- Increases tissue mobility
- Promotes spine alignment
Costway massage seat cushions can help you relieve fatigue and improve your quality of life. It is both humanized and exquisite, which is very convenient for the elderly. The built-in 10 vibrating motors will completely relieve the pain of your shoulder, back, waist, hips, and thighs, and reduce the tiredness of your whole day. There are 5 massage zones and 5 massage modes to provide customized massage for you. And 3 vibration strengths to meet your different needs. The heating function of the back and hips promotes blood circulation and relaxes your body. And it will automatically close after 15 minutes to ensure safe use. You can use it on your chair, sofa, office chair or car at any time. It is the perfect gift for friends and family.
Features:
- Built-in 10 vibrating motors to relieve muscle stiffness caused by sitting for a long time
- 5 massage zones are available, and each vibration zones can be independently controlled
- 5 modes and 3 vibration strengths to provide customized massage
- 2 heating pads can warm you up to expel cold in the chilly winter
- Automatically shut down after 15 minutes
- AC & DC adapter for home, office and car use (both included)
- Remote controller is easy and convenient for you to operate and storage
Adopting unprecedented technology, ELEEELS therapeutic massager is a vibration device that helps improve blood circulation, relieve muscle stiffness and soreness, prevent muscle damage, and reduce lactic acid levels. it can be used before during and after training to help achieve better sports performance by warming up muscle tissues and reduce muscle fatigue, soreness, and pain. It also has a Comfort mode to help alleviate muscle soreness and stiffness on the neck, back, and legs induced by prolonged use of digital devices, sitting, or a long walk in high heels. With 4 pro attachments and 62° adjustable handle, ELEEELS X1T lets you target different muscle areas in a very easy way.
Features:
- 6-speed settings offer optimal pressure to achieve therapeutic benefits
- Li-ion battery provides 3 to 15 hours of operation in a single charge
- Endurance Motion Technology™ & Quiet Motion Technology™ offer real, quiet and longer relaxation
- 4 pro attachments to target various muscle groups
- Sports Mode for warming up & post recovery massage
- Comfort Mode for home relaxation
Knotty muscle & spasms relief! you will love this deep tissue massager! Want to get rid of your back pain or unbearable knots in your back? No need to suffer from a weak powerless flimsy wobbly muscle massager. This Mighty Bliss handheld massager is perfect. Super powerful to increase blood circulation & relax your muscles effectively – Relieves pain in seconds.
This Might Bliss percussion massager will knock 3,700 pulses of bliss into your muscles every minute. You’ll wish you found this years ago!
It is economically and practically efficient – Cordless & lightweight so that you can SCHLEP it along anywhere, to fit your lifestyle need. Powerful enough for professionals but designed for at-home therapy and muscle recovery.
Features:
- Brilliant slim & lightweight design
- Never-ending battery life
- Super powerful 3,700 rpm percussion motor
Viktor Jurgen back massager 3D design to simulate real human hands, bring you deep kneading, and massage muscles thoroughly. Its back massager settled within 15 minutes over-heating auto-shut off protection, massage pillow also comes with a high-elastic shoulder strap with 3 Velcro Suitable for most chairs. Portable design is to ensure you can have a relaxing massage at the home, office, even in the car.
It has 4 massage nodes double the kneading power that the typical 4 nodes offer. Adjust the speeds and heat options to customize your deep tissue massage. Enjoy the option of turning the heat on/off as you please throughout your massage. 2 available heat options help soothe tense or sore muscles.
Features:
- Relieve sore muscles & pains massager
- Adjustable direction back massager
- 2 massage directions neck massager
The RENPHO Electric Percussion Massager has a powerful motor, long-lasting Li-ion battery, and is made out of high quality ABS plastic. It can effectively help you relieve aches and discomforts in your shoulders, neck, back, joints, foot, leg, and calves. It is also useful if you need to speed up muscle recovery or simply wish to relax. Ideal to use any time of the day, whether it is throughout the day, after work, or after sports.
It is made with a powerful motor of 3600 pulses per minute, which allows it to offer you a deep tissue massage. While most traditional electric massagers need to be plugged into a wall socket to keep the power on, the RENPHO Electric Percussion Massager has a built-in battery which means that it can be used anywhere. A quick massage will help you to physically relax your body, increase joint flexibility. A good massage has been proved to have positive effects on the human body by reducing stress, discomfort, and muscle tension.
Features:
- Cordless handheld massager
- High battery capacity–2600mAh
- Long-serving time–up to 140 mins
- Great motor–up to 3600 Rpm
- Percussion technical
- 5 Massager heads
- Weight: 1.8lbs
Final Verdict
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a home office or perhaps just good posture, and as a result, these harmful working positions can leave us with painful muscles in dire need of a massage. Since we can’t get to the salon, give yourself some at-home help. The above best back massagers we recommend will help you with everything from particular muscle pain to general relaxation.