Back Pain Relief Machines that work for me
Short Version
Back Pain Relief Machine recommendations
#1 recommendation: PEMF device
[the iMRS]
NOTE: opens in a new Tab.
#2 recommendation: mechanical back support used while sitting
[BetterBack]
#3 recommendation: TENS Medical Device
[Dr Ho’s TENS or HealthMate Forever TENS]
#4 recommendation: Zero-Gravity Massage Chair
[TITAN Model EC-362]
Back Pain Relief Machines that work for me
Long Version
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it’s 2 a.m. and you just HAVE to go to the toilet… six stairs down from your bedroom... |
- back so sore, you can barely get out of bed…
- inching your way down those bloody stairs
- bracing against the wall because your balance sucks big time...
- one agonizing step… then the next… then the next
- knees and back screaming the whole way…
AND SOON it’s time to reverse those stairs of torment …
In other words… exactly like I was… in February, 2015, when I was undertaking that dreaded expedition 4 times a night!
After the third staggering night, I got on the Internet, and looked for solutions…
- medical devices
- specific for pain relief
- with believable testimonials
- that provided value
Pain relief machines showed the most promise…
So I committed to one... my first purchase.
I purchased a PEMF medical device... I've devoted several pages to describing these...
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PEMF = Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Resonance
My second purchase: 2 back pain relief devices...
TENS machines for back pain
What is a TENS machine?
TENS = Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
These are portable medical devices, powered by batteries, that use conducting pads placed on the skin.
An electrical current passes between the pads and reduces pain… well that’s the theory…
How does TENS pain relief machine work?
It seems that “how” TENS works is uncertain!
Here are two guesses:
- The current shuts down a “pain switch” in the spinal cord, and pain is no longer registered in the brain
- The current stimulates the production of endorphins… natural pain killers.
whatever... I know it does work for me...
Is there any scientific evidence that it works?
There is a body of scientific research around TENS. As with most research, there are few definitive conclusions:
- Sometimes it works
- Sometimes it doesn’t
You can look at a table summarizing the results of many studies.
I use the US Government website, PubMed, to access research papers.
I consider it reliable and truthful.
Any links I have to scientific research will be from PubMed.
TENS SUMMARY
TENS machines have brought me immediate relief from back pain.
I am unsure whether they will have long-term healing effects.
I consider them a great alternative to prescription/OTC pain relief medication, and I’ve not experienced side effects… unlike many of those pills.
I think that a TENS for back pain is
better than chronic pain medications
for chronic back pain management...
because
it can be used to reduce "spot" pain so effectively,
and there are no side effects.
RECOMMENDATION
Both of my recommendations function as they should.
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For a few reasons, my #1 choice is the | |
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My #2 choice is the |
My third purchase: the BetterBack mechanical back support...
What is a BetterBack apparatus?
This is a device, often a belt, that acts as a corset/brace
- to keep the spine aligned
- to relieve back pain
How does BetterBack back pain relief machine work?
The main back support is a large belt that is positioned over the lower spine. This is connected via straps to two knee pads.
When the device is in position, and the straps tightened, the knees force the pad to make the spine more upright... no slouching here!
I found that any sore back was immediately helped.
There's an included gel pack that may be heated or cooled, and inserted in a pouch on the back pad. This provides a further measure of relief.
Is there any scientific evidence that it works?
Once again, mixed results… excepting for a few like this one.
BETTERBACK SUMMARY
The belt I purchased brought INSTANT relief to my back, while I was sitting at my computer.
As my muscles became less tense, it forced my back into a better position, my posture improved, and my back felt waaaaay better.
RECOMMENDATION
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This device provided quick relief. It also improved my posture. I recommend it without reservation. |
My fourth purchase: the Titan Zero Gravity iMassage Chair [Model EC-362]
What is a Zero Gravity Massage Chair?
This is a chair that tilts to put you in the same position as astronauts take when taking off. It has over 30 different massage options, and is OH SO RELAXING!
How does Titan iMassage EC-362 work?
The massage chair is controlled by never-get-lost device that resembles a TV controller, with lots of buttons and options.
You can
- choose your level of tilt
[Upright decreasing to Horizontal] - choose one of 11 different massage possibilities
3 airbag massages [Butt, Foot, Calves]
5 types of massage [Kneading, Tapping, Dual, Swedish, Rolling]
3 combination massages [Relax, Therapy, Air] - choose level of massage intensity
[Low, Medium. Intense] - choose width of massage along your spine
[Narrow, Normal, Wide] - choose where the massage occurs along your spine
- choose to do a spot massage
- choose to pause the massage and continue later
Is there any scientific evidence that it works?
Several studies showed that massage chair sessions were useful for decreasing muscle pain in office workers.
MASSAGE CHAIR SUMMARY
The Titan iMassage EC-362 chair was a major help to me, when I cracked my L2 vertebrae.
- I slept in that chair for over a month, since I was unable to lie down or get up from a normal bed.
- I used the airbag settings for a means to relax so I could sleep. I was really afraid of the pain I'd previously experienced.
- Now that my cracked vertebrae is no longer an issue, I use the chair to relax my spine, and help relieve the pain in my hips.
- My afternoon naps are far more relaxing when I have a 15 minute session on the chair, lying back and snoozing.
RECOMMENDATION
If you cannot get a human touch massage, this is a super alternative.
It is my #2 recommendation for a back pain relief machine.