The Best Back Massagers

Made from textured leatherette, Zyllion’s shiatsu neck and back massager features four rotating nodes, a heat setting, and a 20-minute automatic shut-off function.

Common Causes of Back Pain

Back pain is usually caused by an injury or a chronic condition. Here are just a few of the most common causes of back discomfort that might benefit from a massage.

• Muscle Sprains and Strains

  Strains are caused by the overstretching and tearing of muscles, while sprains occur when a strain starts affecting the ligaments. Sprains and strains are often caused by heavy lifting and movements that place too much pressure on the back. Massage can alleviate the discomfort of back sprains and strains by working out sore points and increasing range of motion.

• Osteoarthritis

  Usually associated with aging, osteoarthritis of the spine is caused by the wear and tear of the disc and facet joints. Some of the symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, inflammation, instability, and even stenosis. Massage can help to alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis by increasing blood circulation and minimizing muscle tension.

• Fibromyalgia

  Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic condition characterized by muscle pain and stiffness throughout the body. Another symptom of fibromyalgia is tenderness in specific areas and increased sensitivity to pain. Gentle massage can help to soothe the discomfort associated with this condition.

Types of Back Massagers

From complicated electric back massagers with multiple settings to simple hand held self back massagers, there is a device out there for everybody. Here are some of the more popular types of back massagers.

• Pillow Massagers

  Compact and lightweight, pillow massagers usually come with deep-kneading nodes and a heat function. They are relatively easy to transport from the home to the office, or even take with you on road trips. Plus, they usually come with adjustable straps so you can secure them to a chair, sit back, and enjoy a rubdown. On the downside, they are mostly only suitable for use on the back and neck.

• Full Seat Massagers

  Strapped to a chair, full seat massagers feature shiatsu nodes, vibration, and sometimes even air pillows along the neck, back, and bottom. While these massagers let you sit back in comfort and enjoy the ride, they are not as portable as the other massagers on this list.

• U-Shaped Massagers

  U-shaped massagers are draped over the shoulders and feature hand loops on either side for maximum comfort. You can increase the pressure of the massage by gripping the loops more tightly or releasing them for a softer rubdown. These massagers are relatively portable, and can also be used on the legs, neck, stomach, and feet. On the downside, some upper body strength is required to use them.

• Percussion Massagers

  Percussion massagers, or hand held massagers, are compact and versatile. They can be used on virtually any body part, and often come with a variety of interchangeable attachments for different massage types. However, they can be difficult to position if you are trying to target hard-to-reach spots on your back.

• Massagers Rollers, Balls, and Sticks

  Simple yet effective, these self-massagers are usually made from durable and chemical-free materials. Although, they require some effort to use, they are compact enough to target hard-to-reach muscle knots. Plus, they are highly portable, and can be used on bare skin or over clothes.

Weighing All the Factors

To sum up, Zyllion’s shiatsu back and neck massager is our top choice for regular use on sore and stiff back muscles. Its main features include four deep-kneading nodes, an optional heat mode, and adjustable straps that lets you secure it to most chairs. Although very different to each other, Snailax’s shiatsu back and neck massager and RESTECK’s back massager with heat are also worth a closer look.