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People with back pain can really suffer quite a bit. If you’re looking to buy a gift for someone experiencing anything from mild to severe back pain, we’ve put together a comprehensive review of the best gifts for you.
To skip ahead to any of the specific products, click on the quicklinks in the Table of Contents.
Introduction & Overview of Back Pain
Nothing says you care quite like a well-considered gift. For your friends, family and loved ones experiencing back pain–or even if they just have a bad back–a practical gift that will help relieve them from the pain will be a gift that keeps on giving.
There are many types of back pain that can affect people between the top of the buttocks and the bottom of the neck. Back pain can manifest itself as a stabbing pain, a burning sensation or simply a dull ache. Some sufferers from back pain can find the experience disabling while others simply experience it as an inconvenience to their day-to-day activities. In our full guide to back pain, we detail all the different types, common symptoms, causes, and treatments for back pain, as well as interesting facts/statistics and methods for reducing the risk of experiencing it.
Of course, back pain isn’t just caused by one thing. It can be caused by muscle strain, injury/trauma, disease, infection, genetics or lifestyle factors. The source and type of back pain the receiver of your gift is experiencing will likely influence what product is best for them.
Types of Gifts for People with Back Pain & Considerations
When it comes to finding the perfect back pain related gift, there’s a lot to choose from and a lot to consider.
The most popular types of gifts for back pain include:
- Massaging Technology
From massaging cushions to armchair massagers, there’s a wide range of massaging products available in the market. For a full breakdown of the best chair massagers, check out our review.
- Heat/Cold Applications
Both the application of heat and coldness can relieve back pain. Whether this is applied through a blanket, heat/ice pack or via an infrared heat lamp, there are a ton of gift options.
- Stretching/Exercise Products
An effective treatment for easing and relieving back pain is stretching and various therapeutic exercises commonly designed by a physiotherapist. There are numerous products available for aiding this such as massaging balls, rollers and mats, and lots of self-help guides on the topic too.
- Creams
These tgifts focus more on relieving the symptoms of back pain rather than inducing long term treatment and recovery. That doesn’t mean, however, that a massaging cream or pain relief oil isn’t a fantastic gift idea that will definitely be appreciated.
- Life Hacking Products
We’ve also included a few products which though not exclusively designed for back pain sufferers, will definitely improve day to day living.
So what do you need to consider when choosing a gift for a loved one with back pain?
- Type
After reading through the types of back pain products above, you need to decide what sort of gift you’re looking to give. Do you want to go big, and buy a sit-stand desk for the office, or go home? Or do you just want to purchase something small, like a do-it-yourself book, to show you’re thinking of them?
- Need/Type of pain
This consideration is centred on the person experiencing the back pain. What sort of pain are they suffering from? What sort of relief are they looking to get?
- Day to day activity
Whether your friend or family member spends their day working at a computer or is normally an out-and-about kind of person, the variety of products in this guide will help direct you towards the right gift.
- Portability
The portability of your gift choice is an important consideration. Do you want to give a gift that the recipient can take with them? Or are you looking to give them something special to revolutionise their home or office space?
- Reviews
There’s no better way of determining how effective a product is than by reading what people who have already tried and used it have said. Before ordering your product as a gift, we recommend checking out the reviews on Amazon and having a read of what other purchasers say.
- Budget
For many people it all comes down to price. Our top 8 gift ideas for people suffering from back pain include a range of prices from around $20 to $200. However much you’re looking to spend, there’s an option for you.
Product Review Summary’
| Gift | Type | Who’s it best for? | Price | Portability | Reviews |
| Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager Cushion | Massaging Technology | Mild-to-severe back pain sufferers who spend significant periods of time sitting in a chair, in the car or on the couch. | $49.95 | Portable but needs to be plugged in to work. | 4.5/5 stars on average |
| Beurer Infrared Light Heat Lamp for Back/Muscle Pain | Heating Technology | Mild-to-severe back pain sufferers who aren’t often on the move. | $61.59 | Portable but needs to be plugged in to work. | 4.5/5 stars on average |
| Treat Your Own Back by Robin A McKenzie | Book (paperback) | Low-to-mild back pain sufferers who are generally active individuals and avid readers. | $9.89 | Very portable, lightweight, soft cover book | 4.5/5 stars on average |
| Acupressure Mat and Neck Pillow Set | Stretching/Exercise Product | Low-to-mild back pain sufferers who are used to sustained Yoga, Pilates or other therapeutic exercises. | $39.97 | Very portable with a carry box and handle | 4.3/5 stars on average |
| Flex Life Massage Ball Set and Muscle Roller Stick Kit | Stretching/Exercise Product | Low-to-mild back pain sufferers who are used to sustained Yoga, Pilates or other therapeutic exercises. | $23.99 | Very portable with a carry bag | 4.5/5 stars on average |
| Hemp Pain Relief Cream | Pain relief cream | Low-to-mild back pain sufferers looking for a quick-to-apply way for instant pain relief. | $29.95 | Very portable – hand-sized | 4.6/5 stars on average |
| Echo (3rd Gen) Smart Speaker with Alexa | Lifestyle Product | Severe back pain sufferers who also happen to love their techy gadgets. | $99.99 | Very portable | 4.7/5 stars on average |
| VIVO Black Height Adjustable 36 inch Stand up Desk Converter | Lifestyle Product | All back pain sufferers who spend most of their workweek sitting at a desk and working on a computer. | $179.95 | Not very portable, requires limited assembly | 4.6/5 stars on average |
Product Reviews
Gift Idea #1 – Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager Cushion
For whom is it for?
The Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager Cushion is perfect for mild-to-severe back pain sufferers who spend significant periods of time sitting in a chair, in the car or on the couch.
Review
This is a wonderful gift for anyone suffering from lower or upper back pain. This lightweight and ergonomically designed pillow contains 3D deep-kneading massage nodes to relieve sore muscles in the back in the Japanese Shiatsu massaging style. This high tech device contours to your body giving you the flexibility to stick it behind your neck or anywhere along your back. In addition to its effective back and neck massaging capabilities, the Zyllion also includes a heat functionality to further reduce pain and ease back muscle tension. Perfect for use at home, in the office or even the car, the adjustable straps allow you to stick the cushion where you need without having to worry about keeping it in place.
Special Features
- 100% top quality and cruelty-free produced leather
- No fuss straps to secure the cushion to any type of seat
- 4 Shiatsu massaging nodes that automatically change direction every minute.
- 20-minute auto shut off
- Overheat protection to ensure safety
- Comes with a power adaptor and DC car adaptor
- 110V-240 Voltage
- FDA Listed
Size Specifications
Dimensions: 13 x 9.5 x 3.5 inches
Weight: 4 pounds
Gift Idea #2 – Beurer Infrared Light Heat Lamp for Back/Muscle Pain
For whom is it for?
The Beurer Infrared Light Heat Lamp is perfect for mild-to-severe back pain sufferers who aren’t often on the move.
Review
The Beurer Lamp is a wonderfully effective product for easing back pain. Heat, as we briefly discussed before, helps to reduce pain in the body. The Beurer Lamp utilises infrared irradiation–also known as red light–to heat and relax your muscles. The pleasant warming sensation, similar to the effects of natural sunlight, reduces tension, encourages blood vessel circulation, and reduces joint pain. The infrared heat rays only penetrate the very top layer of skin to ensure a pleasant feeling of relief without causing damage or overheating. The Beurer Lamp takes this red light technology and packages it in a portable and easy to use device. The adjustable angle allows you to change the position of the lamp to suit you. It’s simple on/off switch and cord winder makes using the lamp a breeze while the overheating protection feature and in-built timer allow you the freedom to benefit from the rejuvenating infrared light worry free.
Special Features
- Adjustable tilt angling functionality
- UV-free infrared light
- Built-in timer for 1 to 15 minutes usage
- Soft, cotton underside
- AC-Adaptor
- Cord winder for easy portability
- Digital time display
- Overheating protection
Size Specifications
Dimensions: 7.7 x 10.6 x 11.2 inches
Weight: 3.5 pounds
Gift Idea #3 – Treat Your Own Back by Robin A McKenzie
For whom is it for?
“Treat Your Own Back” is perfect for low-to-mild back pain sufferers who are generally active individuals and avid readers.
Review
Just because this is a super affordably priced gift, doesn’t mean it’s any less helpful for people suffering from back pain. Robin McKenzie’s best selling book “Treat Your Own Back” is an easy-to-read guide offering simple-to-follow techniques to deal with persistent back pain. Based on clinically-proven exercises this is really an all-in-one guide to understanding, treating and dealing with back pain. The author, Robin McKenzie, was a renowned spinal expert and pioneered the method of back and neck pain treatment called Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT). The McKenzie Method is still taught and used by clinicians throughout the world. If you know someone struggling with their back pain and looking for a bit of direction to get themselves back on track and living normally, this cheap gift offers invaluable information.
Special Features
- Paperback
- 112 pages
- 9th edition
- Best seller
- World-renowned author
Size Specifications
Dimension: 5.7 x 0.4 x 8.1 inches
Weight: 6.9 ounces
Gift Idea #4 – Acupressure Mat and Neck Pillow Set
For whom is it for?
The Acupressure Mat and Neck Pillow Set is perfect for low-to-mild back pain sufferers who are used to sustained Yoga, Pilates or other therapeutic exercises.
Review
This Acupressure Set from Nayoya Wellness is designed to relieve stress and sciatic pain. Acupressure is the process of using stimulating pressure points throughout the body to increase circulation and reduce stress, pain and tension. The Acupressure Mat and Neck Pillow Set is covered by small plastic acupressure points that, with just 20 minutes of use a day, provides instead back pain relief. The Acupressure Set makes the perfect gift for sufferers of back pain by offering an easy and hassle-free way to consistently offer immediate pain relief. It’s versatility in use means that if you’re just getting used to the sensation you can ease your weight on to the mat by placing it over a chair or couch. Once you’re ready for the full experience, roll the mat on the floor and lie down on your back: it’s THAT easy. Plus, this particular Acupressure Set comes in a handy box with a handle so you can roll up the pillow in the mat and take it with you wherever you go.
Special Features
- 1782 individual Acupoints in the pillow
- 6210 individual Acupoints in the mat
- Carry Box with Handle
- Lightweight
- Lifetime guarantee by the manufacturer
Size Specifications
Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 15 inches
Weight: 2 pounds
Gift Idea #5 – Flex Life Massage Ball Set and Muscle Roller Stick Kit
For whom is it for?
The Flex Life Massage Ball Set and Muscle Roller Stick Kit is perfect for low-to-mild back pain sufferers who are used to sustained Yoga, Pilates or other therapeutic exercises.
Review
The Flex Life Kit is a wonderful all-in-one exercise and massage tool kit. Delivered with a handy bag to keep all the bits and pieces in, this set includes a variety of items used by physiotherapists and clinicians for strengthening back muscles, relieving tension and reducing pain. The massage balls include a Lacrosse-style ball, a “double peanut” ball, and a spiky ball which are all used to deliver different types of pressure to very specific areas of the back. The versatility of each massage ball allows for you to apply deep tissue therapy to key muscle knots and increase mobility by easing tension wherever you feel it most. As a bonus, this ball set also comes with a distinctive trigger stick which can also be used to roll down your back and provide a soothing, rolling massage sensation. Affordably priced, endlessly reusable – this is a wonderful gift for anyone you know suffering back pain as it gives them the ability to treat themselves effectively.
Special Features
- 3 different styles of massage roller ball
- Innovative new trigger stick
- Travel-friendly bag for both the balls and sticks
- Premium material to ensure quality and long-lasting use
- 100%
Size Specifications
Silicone Lacrosse Ball: 2.5 inches
Silicone Double Lacrosse Ball (Peanut Ball): 5 inches
PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) Spiky Massage Ball: 3.5 inches
Thermoplastic/Stainless Steel Muscle Roller Massage Stick: 16.5 inches
Gift Idea #6 – Hemp Pain Relief Cream
For whom is it for?
The Hemp Pain Relief Cream is perfect for low-to-mild back pain sufferers looking for a quick-to-apply way for instant pain relief.
Review
Clearbody Organics’ Hemp Pain Relief Cream might not be the first gift idea that comes to mind but this medical grade formula of hemp extract is lab-tested and proven to instantly provide long-lasting pain relief. This fast acting cream works wonders anywhere on the body with especially effective use on the back and neck. What’s in it? In addition to hemp extract, the cream contains menthol and peppermint oil, as well as aloe vera, lavender oil, and a few other all-natural ingredients. While the Hemp Cream is particularly good at relieving sore muscles, reducing inflammation and easing back pain, that’s not where its benefits end: it also helps with scarring, dehydrated skin and cramps. It’s a wonderful and unique gift to help anyone suffering from back aches and pains.
Special Features
- Additional Arnica extract
- All natural ingredients
- Lifetime manufacturer money-back guarantee
- 3rd party lab tested formula
- Non-GMO
- FDA registered
- GMP certified
Size Specifications
Weight: 3 ounces
Gift Idea #7 – Echo (3rd Gen) Smart Speaker with Alexa
For whom is it for?
The Echo (3rd Gen) Smart Speaker with Alexa is perfect for severe back pain sufferers who also happen to love their techy gadgets.
Review
Amazon Echo is a premium, smart and hands-free speaker that provides a number of fantastic benefits. Why, you may be asking, is it included in a list of gifts for people with back pain? Thanks to the hands-free nature of the Echo, this convenient and sophisticated device allows users to control numerous functions around a smart-equipped house without having to move a muscle. It’s the perfect aid for someone struggling to be as mobile as they’d like. So, what does Echo do? This powerful speaker allows you to interact with the AI assistant, Alexa, to play music, search the internet, and voice control any compatible and connected devices in your house. If you’ve installed a smart intercom, locks, lights or thermostats, or even a bath, you can control it all with Echo using nothing but your voice! There’s an added benefit as well: amongst the many skills and capabilities of Echo is its ability to track your fitness and exercise–a handy tool for anyone aiming to recuperate their mobility and heal their back pain.
Special Features
- 360 degree Dolby audio
- Voice control
- Smart application compatible
- Built in Alexa assistant
- 0.8-inch speakers
- 3-inch woofer
- 3.5mm line in/out
Size Specifications
Dimension: 5.8 x 3.9 x 3.9 inches
Weight: 27.5 ounces
Gift Idea #8 – VIVO Black Height Adjustable 36 inch Stand up Desk Converter
For whom is it for?
The VIVO Black Height Adjustable 36 inch Stand up Desk Converter is perfect for all back pain sufferers who spend most of their workweek sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Review
Over the past few years, stand/sit desks have become increasingly popular. These desks allow you to ‘convert’ your workstation to facilitate sitting at a chair or standing without compromising comfortable access to your computer and desk. The VIVO Stand Up Desk Converter is a fantastic gift for anyone suffering from back pain, particularly lower back pain, as it allows users the freedom to stand and reduce muscle tension and relieve pain. Sitting in a chair at a desk all day can cause unnatural strain on back muscles. Having the ability to stand and stretch without sacrificing productivity is a great gift! With an adjustable height to suit people of all sizes the VIVO Desk is perfect for everyone. The spacious surface of the desk is capable of housing multiple monitors or laptop-screen set-ups. In one swift motion you can go from sitting to standing and with its easy locking mechanism you can find the perfect set up for you. If you’re looking for a gift that will make a huge impact on someone’s life, VIVO is the thing for you.
Special Features
- 36-inch surface
- 25 by 10.5 inch raisable and removable keyboard tray
- 33-pound lift assist capability with an adjustment range of 6.5 to 17 inches.
- 3 year manufacturer warranty
- Height adjustable and counterbalance tension adjusts to allow for easy movement and conversion
Size Specifications:
Dimensions: 36 inches
Weight: 42.4 pounds
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
No matter which gift for back pain you end up going with, we have no doubt that all of the above reviewed products make wonderful presents. Whether your recipient is a chronic back pain sufferer, a fan of massage gadgets, interested in healing their own back or just wants a bit of pain relief, there’s something for everyone!
