Best Massager For Neck and Back Pain Relief: A Review of the Shiatsu Back, Shoulder, and Neck Massager with Heat
Neck and back pain relief is a common complaint among adults today. Whether it’s due to poor posture, a sedentary lifestyle, or a pre-existing condition, these pains can be a real hindrance to your daily activities. Fortunately, there are many ways to alleviate these pains, including massage therapy.
The Shiatsu Back Shoulder and Neck Massager with Heat has been an amazing tool for helping relieve my chronic neck and back pain. I have a condition called Thoracic Outlet Syndrome which is caused by an extra cervical bone in my neck. I have suffered with chronic neck pain and tried many massagers over the years.
When it comes to massage you have two options, either you can go for a manual massage from a licensed massage therapist or you can get a neck/back massager and use it yourself whenever you have a flare up or if you have chronic neck or back pain like me. Even though I get regular massages, I use my home massager for in between appointments. It is also great for sports and workout related soreness.
What is the Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager With Heat?
The Shiatsu Back Shoulder and Neck Massager with Heat is an electric deep tissue 4D kneading massager designed to relieve tension and soreness in your shoulders, back, and neck. It uses eight bi-directional massage nodes to simulate the hands of a professional masseuse, providing a deep or gentle massage. The massager also comes with optional heat therapy, which can help improve blood circulation and further relax your muscles.
What makes this massager stand out for me is how closely it resembles a soothing hand-like massage with the added heat therapy.
Benefits:
- Versatility: The massager can be used on multiple areas of the body, including the shoulders, back, and neck.
- Customizability: The massager comes with multiple speed and direction settings, allowing you to customize the massage experience to your specific needs.
- Convenience: The massager is portable and can be used anywhere, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules.
- Cost-effectiveness: The massager is a one-time investment that can save you money on regular massage therapy sessions.
- Muscle Relaxation: The deep tissue massage provided by the massager can help relax your muscles, reducing tension and soreness.
- Improved Blood Flow: Heat therapy can help improve blood circulation, bringing much-needed nutrients and oxygen to your muscles.
- Stress Relief: Massage therapy has been shown to reduce stress levels, which can contribute to neck and back pain.
- Posture Improvement: Regular use of the massager can help improve your posture, reducing the likelihood of future neck and back pain.
So if you’re looking for an affordable and effective way to relieve your chronic or acute neck and back pain, check out the Shiatsu Back Shoulder and Neck Massager with Heat. It is a product I trust, believe in, use weekly, and know it has made a huge difference in my chronic neck pain.
Stretches to relieve neck pain
- Lower your chin to your chest, keep shoulders straight. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Relax and slowly lift your chin back to the starting position.
- Rotate your head to one side while keeping your shoulders straight. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Relax and slowly return to the first position. Repeat on the other side.
- Tilt your head moving your ear toward your shoulder. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Relax and slowly return to the first position. Tilt your head to the other side and repeat.
Use these stretches as a warm up to your strengthening exercises.
Strengthening exercises for neck pain relief
Squeeze your shoulder blades together and hold for 5 seconds. Don’t squeeze too hard; it should feel comfortable. Repeat 10 times twice a day.
Keeping your neck in a neutral position, do a wall pushup with your feet shoulder-width apart and your elbows straight. Repeat 10 times with 1 to 2 sets. Do this twice a day.
Stretching exercises for shoulder pain
These stretches help to loosen up tight muscles that cause pain and can improve flexibility to prevent future injuries.
Move your chin forward, then slowly pull it back toward your throat, tucking slightly. Keep your chin parallel to the floor. Do this up to 10 times hourly.
Stand upright with a slight bend to your upper back. Now roll your shoulders up, back and down in a fluid circle. Do this 10 times, and then switch directions and roll your shoulders forward 10 times.
Use these stretches as a warm up to your strengthening exercises.
Strengthening exercises for shoulder pain
- Fill a water bottle (1.5 liters or so) about ¾ full
- Keeping your arm straight, hold the bottle in front of you at shoulder height for 30 to 60 seconds
- Switch arms, doing this 3 times on each side
- Lie on your stomach with your arms at your sides. Put a pillow under your forehead if you need to
- Gently bring your shoulder blades together and toward your feet
- Relax your shoulders about halfway down and hold for 10 seconds
- Release your shoulders and repeat the exercise 10 times
You can also prevent neck and shoulder pain by working on your posture.
Adjusting your posture to prevent neck and shoulder pain
It might not be obvious, but posture has a cascading effect on other parts of the body. Paying attention to your core strength and lower back can ease strain on your neck and shoulders.
Check your standing posture
Take the wall test to adjust your standing posture.
- Stand with your head, shoulder blades, and buttocks touching the wall
- Keep your heels around 2 to 4 inches away from the wall
- Put your hand behind the curve in your back and touch the wall with your palm
Your hand should fit neatly inside of this space.
- If the fit is too loose, tighten your abdominal muscles
- If it’s too tight, arch your back
Remember what it feels like when you find the right spot. This is the standing posture you want to maintain as much as possible. Do the wall test daily as many times as you need to.
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7 Stretches and Exercises for Lower Back Pain Relief
