The Southeastern Spine Institute

When you suffer from back aches, you may seek back pain relief from any remedy, whether it’s any comfort or not. You’re not alone. In fact, nearly 100 million Americans suffer from chronic and ongoing back pain, according to the American Academy of Pain Medicine.

That leaves a wide-open market for new inventions. But if you’ve suffered an injury that’s causing back pain, had a recent surgical procedure, or dealt with ongoing back problems, don’t try any of these gadgets on your own without first consulting your spinal doctor at the Southeastern Spine Institute (SSI). The team at SSI keeps up with the latest trends; they can advise whether it’s safe or not for you.

Most of these new devices can be used on your own or with the help of others. Most are designed to target various spinal areas with treatments like stretching and back support to provide soothing pain relief.

Stretching Devices

The two main causes of back pain are standing and sitting for long periods of time. If you do either, it causes your spin to compress, which creates pain. A regular routine of stretching exercises can deliver back pain relief, and you may also find comfort from new technology in stretching devices such as:

  • Multi-level back-stretching devices. These devices work by causing you to bend your back gradually, as you can set the device to three or more levels of difficulty. These gadgets are made to stretch the wider part of your upper back and the narrow area of your lower back.
  • Realignment device. You may have seen one of these hard plastic devices at your back specialist’s office. It lies flat on the floor and has two ridges that realign your spine when you lay on it, while stretching your back.
  • Arched back stretcher. This is similar to a back-stretching device, only it’s cushioned like a pillow. It arcs on the floor and has a channel for your spine. This is a milder form of stretching that provides more comfort than typical back stretchers.

Other Devices for Back Pain Relief

There are dozens of new devices on the market that offer back pain relief through acupressure, back support and massage therapies such as:

  • Acupressure mats. Designed to relieve back pain and stress, these soft flexible mats have plastic protrusions that provide relaxation and relief. However, they should only be used by adults because of the sharp edges.
  • Handheld pulse massagers. Typically used by back specialists to ease back pain, these gadgets stimulate blood flow in the muscles. There are now consumer models on the market that you can use in your own home.
  • Shiatsu massage pillows. These are portable, electronic massage pillows that can provide you back relief in your home or on the road — basically, wherever you go.
  • Adjustable knee pillows. You can achieve back pain relief by properly situating your legs and knees when you sit. These pillows use an internal air piston that you can set to your posture, and it gives you the right support for your knees, thighs, calves and ankles.