The 8 Best Electric Back Massagers on Amazon, According to Chiropractors

Bobbi Dempsey
·5 min read

Say goodbye to those aches and pains.

Back pain is one of the most common health-related ailments, with around 25 percent of all Americans reporting recent back pain and around one in eight experiencing chronic back pain.

Whether you have chronic back issues or just suffer from occasional aches and pains (especially after overdoing it at the gym), back pain or soreness can make it difficult for you to complete your normal daily activities.

Electric back massagers can be an effective tool that can help reduce tension and tightness in the back (and other areas), so these devices have become increasingly popular.

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Types of Electric Back Massagers

The most common types of electric back massagers are chair covers/pads, mats, pillows and handheld massage guns. They each have pros and cons, but it mostly boils down to personal preference and how portable or versatile you need the massager to be.

“Hand massage guns are all the rage these days and perfect for legs, shoulders and elbows,” says Dr. Todd Sinett, chiropractor, owner of TruWholeCare and inventor of the Backbridge, adding that they are “excellent for the back as well, but you will need a partner or friend to help with troubleshooting.”

When shopping for massage guns, “look for units that are mid-range in price, manufactured by reputable brands, as lightweight as you can find, and have a variety of massage head attachments for different uses and body parts,” says Helen M. Ryan, certified personal trainer and host of the Walking & Talking with Helen podcast. “Most percussion massagers are rechargeable, so they are essentially wireless.” Ryan says her daughter has fibromyalgia and finds that using a massage gun with a flat and wide attachment helps also helps relieve the pain in her legs.

Massage chair pads are also a popular option. “They help relieve back pain and neck discomfort after long hours at your desk or an uncomfortable drive,” says Ryan. “They slip over almost any chair or sofa and are very portable. It’s easy to kick back, relax and loosen up those muscles almost anywhere.”

Note: although we’re focusing on back massagers here, Dr. Sinett says he’s also a big fan of foot massagers like this TruMedic model for whole-body benefits. “Foot massagers have the ability to impact all of the great reflexology points in the foot, but impact the entire body,” he says.

Best Electric Back Massagers

Best Premium Massage Gun: Theragun Pro Massage Gun

“Theragun by Therabody is a popular higher-end line and was the very first deep tissue massage gun,” says Ryan. “Their Pro model is used widely by athletes and physical therapists.” Ryan notes that the Theragun Elite and Prime models have slightly less power and fewer attachments but are lighter in weight and less expensive. Theragun Pro Massage Gun, $399 at Amazon 

Related: 8 Best Workouts to Do If You Struggle with Back Pain

Best Less Expensive Massage Gun: Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2

This budget-friendly Hypervolt Go 2 massage gun is portable and lightweight—but still plenty powerful. It has three speeds and two head attachments. Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2, $149 at Amazon 

Best Compact Electric Back Massager: RENPHO Mini Massage Gun

This mini massage gun from RENPHO is super portable, so you can take it with you anywhere. It’s great for quick use on the go, making it perfect for alleviating pain or tension after a workout or while sitting in traffic during a long commute. RENPHO Mini Massage Gun, $59.99 at Amazon 

Best Roller-Style Back Massager: Dr. Massage Serenity Foam Roller

This Serenity Foam Roller from Dr. Massage is easy to use and automatically incorporates shiatsu massage to help alleviate tension. The heat function can soothe pain and soreness. Dr. Massage Serenity Foam Roller, $174.99 at Amazon 

Related: Get Relief from Back Pain with These 11 Products That Physical Therapists Swear By

Best Chair Cover Back Massager: RENPHO Back Massager 

This chair massage pad from RENPHO has thousands of positive reviews on Amazon, with users raving that it works well, is easy to use, and delivers good value for the money. It provides a complete back and neck massage and can adjust to accommodate users of varying heights. RENPHO Back Massager, $174.99 at Amazon

Best Electric Back Massager for the Neck and Shoulders: TruMedic InstaShiatsu+ Neck, Back, and Shoulder Massager 

This wrap-style massager is simple to use and extremely versatile, as it can be used in a variety of ways to massage the back, neck and shoulders. The heat function is a popular feature. “I prefer neck, shoulder and lower back massagers to be heated, helping to increase the blood supply and circulation to the areas being treated,” says Dr. Sinett. TruMedic InstaShiatsu+ Neck, Back, and Shoulder Massager, $97.97 at Amazon 

Best Electric Back Massager Pillow: MoCuishle Shiatsu Back Massager Pillow

This back massage pillow from MoCuishle is an Amazon’s Choice pick in the category and is an inexpensive yet effective option. It has two speed modes and an optional heat function. Although it’s not cordless, it does come with a car charger so you can use it in the car. MoCuishle Shiatsu Back Massager Pillow, $39.99 at Amazon 

Related: The 7 Best Mattresses for Back Pain

Best Electric Back Massager Mat: Snailax Memory Foam Massage Mat

This massage mat from Snailax is made from memory foam, meaning it’s super comfortable and flexible enough to adapt to a wide range of configurations – so you can use it while relaxing on the couch, sitting on a recliner, or even lying flat on the floor. It provides vibration massage with five massage modes and an optional heat function. Snailax Memory Foam Massage Mat, $103.99 at Amazon 

Next up, check out these eight simple thoracic spine stretches to kick that upper back pain. 

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