An Acupressure Mat Is the Quick Trick to Relieving Tension and Back Pain

According to the American Chiropractic Association, 80% of Americans will experience lower back pain at some point in their lifetime, making it also one of the most common reasons for missing work. If you frequently experience back discomfort, shoulder tension, or any other sharp shooting pains that stop you in your tracks, an acupressure mat may be able to help.

These modern-day "beds of nails" are foam mats filled with thousands of sharp, but short spikes that you can lie, sit, or stand on. Sounds painful, right? Although it's not going to feel as pleasurable as a warm heating pad, over time - usually after 15 minutes - these nifty mats offer a wave of relief to your achy muscles. Don't worry, they don't puncture your skin, and you can use them while wearing a T-shirt to build up some tolerance to the spikes and get accustomed to the sensation.

If you're still hesitant, the European Journal of Integrative Medicine conducted a study centered around the effectiveness of acupressure mats, and participants reported that immediate pain relief was detected after using the mats. It's worth mentioning that the spikes will leave temporary red marks on your skin, and the mats shouldn't be left out around curious children.