Back pain is a common problem that many of us will experience at some point.
Lower back pain is particularly prevalent and, with many of us working from home, it’s no surprise back pain is likely to strike.
According to Voltarol, 94% of people with pain feel pain in their back, and 82% of people with pain feel it in their lower back.
If it’s affecting your everyday life, learning how to relieve back pain fast will be high on your priority list. The back muscles and spine support much of our body’s weight, and are used for both sitting and standing.
Lower back pain can be caused by sitting in a hunched position, bending, lifting or carrying heavy items, while common causes of upper back pain overuse and sports injuries. Sitting for long periods along with slouching can also cause back pain.
From creams to heat patches and back stretchers, we’ve rounded up the best remedies and products to relieve back pain below. Always remember to consult your doctor if you have persistent back pain.
How to relieve back pain fast with these remedies
1. Voltarol Back & Muscle Pain Relief 1.16% Gel
Overdone it with a workout? For fast back pain relief, Voltarol is a nifty gel that helps reduce inflammation and restore movement.
Whether you have muscular back pain, muscle cramps, muscles spasm or muscle strains, it offers targeted pain relief and reduces swelling.
One user said: “I have been recovering from a slipped disc and, although the physio exercises were helping and acupuncture helped too, the oral painkillers and strong painkiller/anti-inflammatory creams prescribed by doctors were having little effect. This cream worked marvellously.”
Price: £11, Amazon – buy here now
2. MaxKare Neck and Back Massager Shiatsu Massage Pillow with Heat
Heat can help relieve pain, and this bestselling massage pillow combines warmth with kneading massage nodes to offer comfort and reduce pain. A versatile product, the electric massager fits perfectly for your neck, shoulder, upper and lower back, lumbar, abdomen, calf and thighs.
One Amazon reviewer raved: “Where have you been all my life? Absolutely Amazing! This was not what I was expecting. It is 1000 times better. I thought it was just going to offer a bit of support in my lower back but it actually has a very powerful rotating mechanism that massages deep into your tissue. You can manipulate your body over the machine to find the perfect spot. I’ve been suffering from a very bad back for quite some time and this is just a dream come true.”
Price: £32.99, Amazon – buy here now
3. Cura-Heat Back and Shoulder Pain 7 Patches
Get up to 24 hours of back pain relief with these heat patches designed to increase blood circulation and relieve sore and stiff muscles.
The small, discreet rectangular patches offer a break from minor muscular and joint aches and pains.
Simply open the Cura Heat sachet and apply to clothing or underwear where the heat radiates through to the source of pain, increasing circulation, decreasing stiffness and relaxing sore muscles.
Price: £5.83, Amazon – buy here now
4. Back Stretcher Back Massager for Back Relaxation and Pain Relief
A back stretcher can be really efficient at helping to relieve back pain. An unbalanced spine can cause problems in your back, neck and shoulders, and even your joints. This stretcher helps to remove the source of counter pressure and pain, and restore the natural curvature of your back.
As you lay back, the muscles around it relax and gently compress the discs in the vertebrae, helping to relieve pain.
The stretcher can also help to correct your sitting posture to help minimise back pain over time. Simply pop it behind you on the chair in your home office.
A happy shopper said: “I had been having lower back pain for months so thought I would give this a try. It took a few weeks of regular use but my back pain now has definitely reduced. I wake up in the morning with slight stiffness but it’s a massive improvement since I started using this.”
Price: £16.99, Amazon – buy here now
5. Hemp Joint & Muscle Active Relief Gel
Prefer a natural remedy? This hemp cream will help manage aches, soreness and stiffness, helping to relax muscles and improve blood circulation.
It contains natural anti-inflammatory ingredients to ease discomfort, with the hemp combining with rosemary oil, camphor and menthol to cool your muscles.
It can aid recovery after a workout or simply soothe aches from sitting at the desk for too long.
One review said: “To be honest I was a bit sceptical at first when trying it. I’ve been in pain for several years in my lower back and thigh after an accident. No matter what I’ve tried, nothing helped ease it.
“I gave this a go and within a few days the pains had subsided almost to the point I don’t notice it. I was surprised it helped, so I’d definitely recommend it to anyone.”
Price: £18.97, Amazon – buy here now
6. Comficlouds Seat Cushion and Lumbar Support Pillow for Office Chair
Sometimes we all need a little support – and that includes our back. Many of us are sitting for hours at a time while working, and can form bad habits when it comes to hunching over the computer.
This lumbar support pillow will help to improve your posture, and relieve pressure on your neck and back, keeping you comfortable and pain-free.
Price: £35.99, Amazon – buy here now
7. Comfier Heating Belt for Back Pain
Hot therapy can help relieve lower back muscle tension and enhance blood circulation, making this heating pad for back pain and quick and easy fix.
The heat pad also has four massage motors to deliver a soothing, vibrating massage that also helps to relieve tension and soreness that builds up throughout the day. The adjustable strap allows it to fit you perfectly, and the lumbar support belt is made with soft velvet material for a comfy finish.
One happy customer raved: “This is just the thing for back pain. The warmth gets right to the spot and even I have to turn it down. And then there is the massage part… WONDERFUL!”
Price: £49.99, Amazon – buy here now
8. Bed of Nails Acupressure Mat
Dismiss the idea of a bed of nails being a torture instrument, this one can offer rapid relief or aches and back pain.
The acupressure mat combines Eastern wisdom with Scandinavian modernity to alleviate tension and stress, and helps you to relax and be more mobile.
It’s covered in her 8,800 non-toxic plastic spikes which work in a similar way to acupuncture needles and help to release endorphins. As well as being calming and alleviating aches and pains, it can also help reduce the appearance of cellulite (yes, really), by helping to rid your body of toxins and increase blood flow.
