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If you’re shopping for a loved one who suffers from a stiff, achy back and aren’t quite sure what to give them, you’re in luck. Here at Garage Gym Reviews, our expert testers have tested all kinds of fitness equipment and recovery tools that can help soothe an achy back.
Our team includes certified personal trainers, corrective exercise specialists, and gym owners, and many of us have experienced plenty of aches and pains over the years. We’ve chosen our top gifts for back pain that anyone will appreciate, and you can’t go wrong with any of the picks on our list.
Whether you’re browsing for holiday gifts or simply want a thoughtful gift to help someone you know, you can skip the gift cards this year and choose one of our gift ideas that’s sure to please.
These products can help with immediate back pain relief and make great gifts for anyone who’s suffering. We’ve got you covered with recovery tools, pain relief creams, budget gifts, and more!
Best Gifts Under $50
Under $20
Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Ointment
Tiger Balm is an easy-to-apply topical ointment that provides soothing pain relief within minutes. The unforgettable scent comes from a unique blend of camphor, menthol, cajuput oil, cassia oil, and clove oil, which provide a mix of warm and cold sensations anywhere you experience aches and pains.
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Under $20
Icy Hot Pain Relief Patches
If your loved one prefers topical pain relief but doesn’t want to deal with a greasy mess, Icy Hot Pain Relief patches are a great choice. They’re easy to apply and can provide relief for up to 8 hours, making them a good option for those who don’t have time to re-apply a cream every few hours.
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Under $20
Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salt Wellness Therapy
Muscle soaks are a fantastic way to relieve a painful back while providing a relaxing experience. As long as the person you’re shopping for owns a bathtub, they can benefit from a bath soak. Our team tested the most popular soaks, and Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salt Wellness Therapy was our top pick.
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Under $20
Amazon Basics Foam Roller
In many cases, back pain can be caused by tight muscles in the hips and legs, especially for those who sit all day. A foam roller is a great way to loosen up stiff muscles, and this Amazon Basics Foam Roller is both durable and affordable.
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Under $50
Crocs Mellow Recovery Clog
You may not think shoes can help relieve back pain, but walking barefoot on hard floors certainly isn’t comfortable. After a long day, slipping into some cushioned shoes is an incredible feeling for anyone, especially back pain sufferers. The Crocs Recovery Clogs are affordable and very comfortable.
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Under $50
Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Roller
Don’t let the words “ab carver” scare you away; this isn’t a high-impact tool that will strain your loved one’s lower back as they perform endless crunches. Instead, it can strengthen the core muscles without excessive rounding of the back, making it a great tool for low-impact core workouts.
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Best Massage Gun
Theragun Prime
A great massage gun allows anyone to enjoy self-care and relieve pain from their own home. With five built-in speeds, a sleek, ergonomic design, and a quiet motor, the Theragun Prime is a great tool to relieve muscle tension and back pain while targeting specific trigger points and tight muscles.
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Best Red Light Therapy Device
LifePro Red Light Therapy Belt
A portable red light therapy device allows users to experience the pain- and inflammation-relieving benefits of light therapy anywhere they go. This belt wraps around the core and provides targeted therapy to the lower back, though it may be too large for smaller joints.
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Best Heating Pad
GENIANI Extra Large Electric Heating Pad
The GENIANI heating pad is an oversized, plush pad large enough to cover most people’s entire backs. It can be used anywhere on the body that feels stiff. The heating pad features three temperature settings and is machine washable. This works great for back pain, neck pain, or anything that’s sore.
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Best Acupressure Mat
CXCTCT XL Yoga Acupressure Mat Set
Our testers loved this acupressure mat, particularly its ability to increase blood flow and reduce pain. The mat also has a durable build that seems like it’ll last. It may be a little painful at first, but lying on this mat with a thin layer of clothing is a great way to relieve back pain.
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Best TENS Unit
Marc Pro
The Marc Pro uses electrical stimulation to promote muscle recovery, a treatment method used by physical therapists and athletic trainers. It allows users to experience medical-grade pain relief from the comfort of their homes. It’s very durable and includes a portable carrying case for travel.
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Best Sauna Blanket
Sun Home Sauna Blanket
Saunas are known for reducing inflammation and pain, but they aren’t cheap, and many people don’t have room for one in their homes. The Sun Home Sauna Blanket is a cozy way to enjoy all of the benefits of regular sauna use that’s perfect for that person in your life with constant back pain.
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Ergogenic Gifts for Back Pain
Best Shoes for Standing All Day
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14
Best Shoes for Standing All Day
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Best Back Support
Cushion Lab Lumbar Pillow
Sitting at a desk all day isn’t great for sore backs, but this seat cushion can help relieve lower back pain. It provides spinal support through the low, mid, and upper back regions. The built-in strap allows it to be fastened to an office chair or car seat, so it can be used nearly anywhere.
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Therabody RecoveryTherm Back
Therabody RecoveryTherm Back
While heat therapy can provide immediate low back pain relief, most heating pads are meant to be used while sitting or lying down. This three-in-one device provides heat, vibration therapy, massaging technology, and back support, and has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to three hours.
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Best Yoga Mat
Best Yoga Mat
Many who experience back pain may use yoga and various stretches to feel better or core exercises on the ground to strengthen the area. A yoga mat is a great choice for a comfortable workout, and the Manduka PRO is the best mat we tested. It’s non-slip, durable, and available in 13 colors.
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Best Lifting Belt
2POOD Straight Belt
If you’re shopping for someone who lifts weights, the 2Pood Straight Belt is an excellent choice. Lifting belts can support the core and lower back, but many are stiff and uncomfortable. The 2Pood belt is soft and comfortable without sacrificing any of the support you’d expect from a belt.
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Best Pilates App
Best Pilates App
Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that’s typically used to improve mobility and core strength, which can benefit anyone suffering from chronic aches and pains. You don’t need a reformer, as Pilates Anytime features plenty of bodyweight workouts that don’t require any extra equipment.
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Other Gift Ideas for Back Pain
If you’re looking for more back pain gifts, here are some more gifts to consider for your loved one for when their back pain subsides and they’re ready to get back to their workout routine.
Whether you’re shopping for a runner, lifter, or that one friend who loves using different supplements, you’re sure to find something you love in our other gift guides.
Strength Exercise Gift Ideas
Supplement Gift Ideas
Pain Relief Gift Ideas
Cardio Gift Ideas
Fitness Technology Gifts
Fitness Apparel Gift Ideas
What to Look for in Gifts for Back Pain
Before you fill up a shopping cart and hit checkout or hand someone a gift certificate for a deep tissue massage they may not want, here are a few more considerations to help you choose the perfect gift.
Budget
While many of the gifts on our list are very affordable, a few are quite expensive. You should never spend more than you can afford, and even the most affordable options on our list are excellent gifts that we’d be more than happy to receive ourselves.
Portability and Size
Before choosing a gift, you’ll want to consider what the person does throughout the day. If they’re always on the go, a heating pad that needs to be plugged into a wall may not be the best choice. If they regularly travel, you may need to gift them something that’s small enough to pack.
We always recommend considering the size and portability of a gift, especially one that may be used every day.
Exercise Limitations
While exercise can certainly help strengthen the back muscles, depending on the cause of the pain, some of these gifts may not be appropriate for all users. If someone truly has debilitating back pain or a nerve condition like sciatica, exercises on the floor may not be appropriate. You may want to consider something like a heating pad, which anyone can use.
Gifts for Back Pain: FAQs
What do you get for someone who has back pain?
If someone has chronic pain, great gifts include pain-relief options, like heating pads, muscle relief gels, and bath soaks. You can also look at gifts that strengthen the core and back muscles or provide lumbar support throughout the day.
What is the best thing to buy for back pain?
Back pain can often be relieved by using topical creams and heating pads in the short term. Chronic pain may require improved mobility and strength, which can involve tools, gear, and professional guidance.
How do you help someone with chronic back pain?
If someone has back pain, you can use heating pads and pain relief patches to provide short-term relief. You may also be able to help with various strengthening exercises, though you should consult with a medical professional for a thorough assessment first.
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Further reading
The TrueForm Runneris a non-motorized treadmill designed to teach proper running form. Although recently, there have been more companies marketing non-motorized treadmills, in our research and testing, the TrueForm Runner is the best non-motorized treadmill available. Read more
If you’re shopping for a loved one who suffers from a stiff, achy back and aren’t quite sure what to give them, you’re in luck. Here at Garage Gym Reviews, our expert testers have tested all kinds of fitness equipment and recovery tools that can help soothe an achy back.Our team includes certified personal trainers, corrective exercise specialists, and gym owners, and many of us have experienced plenty of aches and pains over the years. » Read more about: Gifts for Back Pain (2024): Top Picks to Relieve a Stiff Back » Read more
If you’re shopping for a loved one who suffers from a stiff, achy back and aren’t quite sure what to give them, you’re in luck. Here at Garage Gym Reviews, our expert testers have tested all kinds of fitness equipment and recovery tools that can help soothe an achy back.Our team includes certified personal trainers, corrective exercise specialists, and gym owners, and many of us have experienced plenty of aches and pains over the years. » Read more about: Gifts for Back Pain (2024): Top Picks to Relieve a Stiff Back » Read more