For many, back pain is unfortunately a part of living. In fact, statistics show that nine out of ten Americans will suffer back pain at some point in life, while half of all working adult Americans experience back pain on an annual basis.

Back pain is generally classified as neck pain, upper back pain, lower back pain or tailbone pain. It’s duration can acute, lasting less than four weeks. It can be subacute (4 - 12 weeks) or chronic, lasting longer than 12 weeks. However, these classifications are of little comfort for those in its throes.

Yes, chiropractic benefits give blessed relief. Still, these visits can end up being a pricey proposition and leave you feeling like an addict, craving for more. Fortunately, there are several alternatives on the market that provide relief for that craving.

Along comes the Homedics back massage machine. To be specific, it’s the Homedics Therapist Select Quad-Roller Massaging Cushion (Moving Quad Roller Massage Mechanism), with heat. Other than a MacBook Pro, this might be the handiest tool around for hubbers and non-hubbers alike.

Just strap it to your chair and get ready. This gem offers two types of massage, the Shiatsu massage and the Rolling massage. The Shiatsu massage allows you to choose from three preset programs, each targeting a certain area: upper back, lower back, or full back. There’s probably no better way to produce a hub than while in the Shiatsu full back mode, especially after several hours being manhandled by a weed eater.

But wait, there’s more. While in Shiatsu mode you also have the opportunity to participate in Spot Shiatsu. This allows the massage to focus on a precise spot, where you determine the exact position with the handy up-down arrows on the even handier remote control. This is a great feature for isolating those kinks and giving them the old one-two treatment. It’s quite the rush when, after several minutes in Spot Shiatsu, switching to Shiatsu full back mode.

The Rolling massage mode offers exactly that: a massage with the feel of two hands slowly working your back. Rolling massage also offers full back, upper back, and lower back settings along with a width adjustment.

The heat function works in either massage setting, offering yet another feature to this most amazing of chair massagers. This heat therapy tool is great for those with back spasms, as studies by the Cochrane Collaboration show that heat therapy can help reduce symptoms associated with acute and sub-acute low back pain.

Also by Homedics, the Shiatsu massage pillow is one of life’s great tension relievers.  It works by targeting your neck, upper back, and shoulders, all the while helping you relax..  Don’t be surprised if, after a hard day, you rest your neck on the pillow and find yourself fast asleep, thanks to its efforts. It also comes with a heat option for a more relaxed treatment. 

The inflatable lumbar support is a handy tool to have for those long drives or flights where the electric back massage is not an option. These convenient supports are contoured and help give support exactly where they claim. The mere opening of a valve causes it to self-inflate. Amazingly discreet, they can be used wherever you spend time in a chair or seat, including the train, theatre and restaurants. They instantly deflate and can be stashed in a purse, carry-on bag, or camera backpack.

Along with the inflatable lumbar support is the inflatable neck pillow, also ideally suited for those long drives, flights, or train rides.  They easily deflate and take up minimal space in your hand bag or pack.

The Shiatsu massage pillow and the Quad-Roller Massaging Cushion are great additions to the arsenal against back pain and the fatigue associated with it.  Compact enough to place in your car, your personal massage machine can travel with you to work or on visits to friends and family alike. These treasures will prove their worth over and over again.