Gifts for Back Pain (2024): Top Picks to Relieve a Stiff Back

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

Best Shoes for Standing All Day

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.