Achy, sore, grumpy, tired – and ready to discover the best lower back pain relief products? Sudden, severe or chronic back pain can often be relieved by non-prescription products. They work to stretch and soothe sore muscles, release knots, improve blood circulation, and lower inflammation.
Best Products for Lower Back Pain:
They are are available without a doctor’s prescription, such as over-the-counter pain medications and devices that rebalance and restore the body. In this article you’ll find the most highly recommended OTC pain relief products for low back pain (LBP).
According to the US National Institutes of Health(24):
Chronic back pain is defined as pain that continues for 12 weeks or longer, even after an initial injury or underlying cause of acute low back pain has been treated. About 20 percent of people affected by acute low back pain develop chronic low back pain with persistent symptoms at one year.
Best Devices and OTC Products for Pain Relief
- Back Stretcher Cushion and Muscle Stick
- Back Stretcher Lumbar Support Device
- MIGHTY BLISS™ Deep Tissue Back and Body Massager
- HoMedics Percussion Action Massager with Heat
- LiBa Back and Neck Massager for Trigger Point
- Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun
- The Hemp Cream for Pain Relief & Joint Pain Relief with Hemp Seed Extract
- Hemp Cream – Maximum Strength
- Basic Care Ibuprofen Tablets
- Tylenol Extra Strength Acetaminophen Rapid Release Gels
First, please note: Powerful prescription drugs may well reduce your back pain. But let’s be clear, more often than not they are simply a temporary solution, created to mask the underlying cause of your pain.
So it’s crucial that you see a medical practitioner who is qualified to identify the root cause of your pain. Address that issue – sooner rather than later. Because simply masking the pain usually allows the underlying medical issue to become worse.
Healing Your Back Pain
Remember this: Your body is built to heal itself. It always naturally works to re-balance and return to health. That goes for back pain too. So stop exposing your body to whatever is causing the imbalance and illness. Give your body exactly what it needs to do its healing job.
For example, let’s say that the root cause of your back pain is sitting all day at your computer. For long term relief, you must learn about healthy ergonomics and then change the angles of your back, knees, elbows and hands as you sit and work. This automatically optimizes your spine posture to relieve pain. More about that below.
Some people find that certain OTC pain relief products help them cope – while they seek help to pinpoint and treat the root cause. We’ll cover the best OTC pain meds too.
Causes of Back Pain
A wide variety of factors may be the cause of your acute or chronic back pain, for example:
- Straining your back while doing routine chores.
- Accidents, falls, and injuries, during sports or workouts.
- Degenerative disc changes causing pinched nerves.
- Relentless stress, including physical and psychological stress, commonly show up as back pain.
- Poor Posture, especially for long periods of time.
- Chronic health conditions due to inflammation, such as arthritis.
Back pain can also occur with some conditions and diseases (31) such as:
- Scoliosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal stenosis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Pregnancy
- Kidney stones
- Infections
- Endometriosis
- Fibromyalgia
- and so many more
What products help relieve lower back pain?
A variety of products work by stretching and soothing sore muscles, re-aligning the spine, and rebalancing the musculoskeletal system. Some of the highest rated and most trusted items are actually simple, portable and quite affordable. They can be purchased online.
Note: All products are chosen based on our mission to highlight solid product quality, high customer satisfaction and reasonable pricing. This content is made possible because, as an Amazon Associate and participant in other affiliate programs, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases of some (but not all) of the products we highlight – at absolutely no cost to the Purchaser. (Learn More)
Pain Relief Products
Back Stretcher Cushion Massager for Back Pain Relief
Back stretcher cushion PLUS muscle stick
Helps relieve back pain & corrects posture: Preventive care for your lower back and posture. This back stretcher and lumbar support is uniquely designed to help correct and improve posture.
The Muscle Roller Sticks (included) are recommended by physical & massage therapists and personnel trainers. They are used by thousands to enhance workouts and muscle recovery. Perfect for calves, hamstrings, back, glutes, quads, neck and shoulders.
Customer Review:
I keep one at work and one at home. – Let
Back Stretcher Lumbar Support Device
This is an effective, adjustable back support and stretcher device that is recommended by many thousands.
The back arch support is a natural for herniated disc, sciatica nerve, spinal stenosis, degeneration, tight knots, excessive flexion and more! Lightweight and portable. Great for use at home, at the gym, in the car or in the office chair. Just 5-10 minutes a day can significantly reduce back pain.
Along with relieving the pain, it also helps correct your posture. This arch support device has 98 massage points that press on specific areas to loosen tight muscles. It restores postural imbalance and helps in the neutral alignment of the spine. It’s light enough to pack in a suitcase when you travel (5).
Customer Review:
I have lower back pain from sitting long periods at work. This stretcher actually assuages my pain. Now I’m used to resting my back on it for a while every night… great product for the price. – Terry
MIGHTY BLISS™ Deep Tissue Back and Body Massager
This deep tissue massager works well on knotted muscles and provides relief from muscle spasms. Back, neck and shoulder pain can be resolved quickly. It relieves muscle tension all over the body.
This massager increases circulation, which relaxes muscles and relieves pain instantly. Cramped and aching muscles are released by this deep tissue and body massager(6).
Customer Review:
I love my new massager. I wanted something cordless, as I primarily use a massager for deep-tissue work related to sports and gym. You can adjust the relative strength using the knob. It’s a charger-based battery, so you don’t need batteries which is amazing. It also comes with a variety of knobs… Bottom line, Mighty Bliss cares about the quality of its products. I can’t recommend it strongly enough. – Taggart Mosholder
HoMedics Percussion Action Massager with Heat
This handheld percussion massager uses heat to massage the muscles and offer soothing relaxation to aching muscles.
- You can adjust the heat
- By pressing the heat button, you can reach higher intensity. That helps in reducing back pain(8)
Customer Review:
This is the best purchase I have ever made for back and neck pain! I have bought moist heat pads, inversion table, lumbar braces, etc, but this is by far the best item for relieving discomfort. I noticed at a chiropractor recently that I had immediate muscle relief when he used a similar item to break up the fascia and allow healing, releasing the bound up energy in areas that have spasmed for a long time. – C Jackson
Note: All products are chosen based on our mission to highlight solid product quality, high customer satisfaction and reasonable pricing. This content is made possible because, as an Amazon Associate and participant in other affiliate programs, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases of some (but not all) of the products we highlight – at absolutely no cost to the Purchaser. (Learn More)
FAQs – Lower Back Pain Relief Products
What is the fastest way to recover from lower back pain?
To recover fast from low back pain, apply heat or ice to the pain area, depending on the cause and timing of the pain. Ice early and heat later. Sleep in a position that supports your spine. Set up your desk and computer to maintain healthy ergonomics, and use muscle massagers or spine arch supports to relieve pressure.
What is the best product for lower back pain?
Customer ratings reveal that the best products for lower back pain include back support arches and hand held portable massagers.
Pain Relievers
For chronic back pain, exercise and home remedies may not relieve the pain 100%. Medications generally relieve many types of back pain. But before taking a prescription pain medication, it is very important to visit your doctor to discuss your individual back pain and it’s possible causes. If you have a history of taking prescription medications, it is essential to discuss this with your doctor, and explore the risks and potential side effects.
Your doctor may offer prescription muscle relaxers to help ease tense, painful muscles and spasms.
Doctors often recommend certain antidepressants to treat chronic back pain. Antidepressants work on chemical messengers that affect pain signals in the body.
IMPORTANT: Avoid overdoing prescription medications for many reasons. Among all the reasons to avoid prescription pain medications:
- Serious side effects may be unknown – especially for your unique body
- Higher toxicity
- High cost (possibly)
- Risk of addiction
Many healthier alternative products are proven to provide significant relief of lower back pain. They ease general body pain due to inflammation and many other root causes.
Try one at a time, in order to track your body’s response and level of pain relief. Pain-producing events vary widely from person to person. The pain relieving mechanisms also vary from person to person. Different pain relieving techniques can produce different reactions.
Pain Medication Creams, Ointments and Oils
Various topical creams, ointments and oils offer great back pain relief for many people with relatively minor ailments.
- Help ease stiff muscles.
- Many pain products contain ingredients such as menthol, camphor and lidocaine.
- They may provide a cooling sensation which feels great on inflamed skin and muscles.
- Hemp and CBD creams are available online.
One expert’s opinion on pain creams is common:
Topical pain treatments may not provide long term relief, but they can definitely calm things down.
CBD for Back Pain
CBD cream is a vegan product that has become popular among the general public in the US and worldwide.
A ‘cannabinoid’ is a chemical found in marijuana, which is also known as CBD(9). CBD alone does not contain any psychoactive component, so you won’t feel ‘high’ while using it for back pain treatment.
According to clinical research(21), CBD can provide great relief of back pain and body pain. CBD is an active natural compound that is found in the cannabis plant, WITHOUT the THC component, which the mind-altering chemical in marijuana.
Buying CBD Oil for Back Pain
In the US, purchasing CBD alone (without THC) is legal in all states. In states that prohibit THC sales, CBD is completely legal as long as it does not contain THC above 0.3 percent.
According to a recent survey, about 55% of people use CBD simply to relax. About 45% use it to relieve muscle and back pain. Some people even use it for stress relief.
Scientists believe that CBD could reach more than 65 molecular targets in the body – without causing an intoxicating effect.
One can use CBD in multiple forms, including oral, sublingual, inhalation, topical, and suppository. CBD oil is well known for relieving back pain due to its quick working mechanism and ease of use(12).
According to the Journal of Opioid Management:
Hemp-derived CBD in a transdermal cream provided significant symptom and pain relief.(32)
Anyone in the US, even states that prohibit CBD, can easily find hemp-derived pain products – with no THC – for regular use, with no risk of ‘getting high’.
Hemp-based pain relief creams that are highly recommended:
Product
The Hemp Cream for Pain Relief & Joint Pain Relief with Hemp Seed Extract
- For relief of muscular and joint pain.
- Added extracts of various plants, including white willow bark and caffeine, known to relax sore muscles.
- Menthol provides a cooling sensation for muscles and gives the best results when used regularly, according to instructions.
Customer Review:
After using this product for 3-4 days on upper arm pain that was from surgery three years prior the pain is gone and I can raise my arm without using my other hand. What a relief! – Shirley S
FAQs
Is CBD good for back pain?
CBD is clinically proven as an effective treatment for temporary relief of many types of muscle and back pain. The key to CBD’s effectiveness as a pain relief product involves pain perception, anxiety, stress, and inflammatory responses. Basically, CBD binds to the various receptors throughout the entire nervous system and moderates the signal to the brain.
How much CBD oil should I take for back pain relief?
In case of chronic back pain, you can generally apply about 40mg per day of CBD oil to help the back muscles. In the second week, you can increase the amount to about 45mg, and then in week three, increase to 50mg.
How long does it take for CBD oil to work for pain relief?
CBD oil is quick to relieve muscular back pain. On average, it can take 15 to 45 minutes for CBD oil to provide relief.
Does CBD oil help nerve pain in the back?
At least one clinical study concluded that CBD was effective in relieving neuropathic pain.(33) You can use CBD oil in the form of creams, lotions and gels.
Product
Hemp Cream – Maximum Strength
Instant Acting Formula – Hemp cream extract has been found to soothe swollen and tender joints. Relieves Neck, Hip, Shoulder, Muscle, Joint, Elbow, Back pain. All Natural Ingredients – Extra Strength Hemp Cream is one of nature’s abundant sources of Omega-3 and Omega-6. Both fatty acids have moisturizing properties that help the skin stay healthy.
Customer Review:
The maximum strength does really relieve your pain. I use it every night for my thigh pain when needed. – Cha Espinola
FAQs
Will CBD Oil help relieve back pain?
CBD oil offers the promise of great benefits for relieving minor chronic back pain. While back pain treatment using CBD is still slightly understudied, it has proven beneficial with quick relief of muscle pain and back pain. It helps reduce inflammation and joint stiffening.
Best OTC for Back Pain
NSAIDs
Over-the-counter pain medications may reduce the underlying inflammation that causes back pain. A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) could be the best choice when lower back pain flares up.
NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin are among the most common and popular OTC back pain medications.
They work by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzyme which makes prostaglandin in the body, a cause of inflammation. So NSAIDs indirectly block the inflammation-causing chemical and, as a result, alleviate the back pain(14).
Acetaminophen
Tylenol is a common brand name for acetaminophen. It is not exactly an anti-inflammatory but still greatly effective in relieving pain and fever. It blocks the same enzyme as NSAIDs. Generally, the best OTC pain med allows you to get through your day with less pain and fewer negative side effects than prescription pain relievers.
Most all medications include various risks, including the best OTC meds. Closely monitoring dosage may help you avoid more serious side effects. During the most severe incidences of back pain, even the best OTC may not relieve all your pain. That’s when doctors prescribe stronger pain relievers such as opioids.
Generally, prescription opioids are considered to be more problem-creators than problem-solvers, for various reasons. They block the pain receptors in the brain and elicit feelings of happiness and calm. Instead of stopping the pain, opioids tell the body to not feel pain. That’s one reason that physicians prescribe opioids in the most serious pain conditions – to offer instant relief. However, OTC pain relievers are recommended before resorting to opioids.
Some of the best lower back pain relief products OTC:
Lower Back Pain Relief Products – OTC
Basic Care Ibuprofen Tablets
Ibuprofen tablets are often considered the best OTC pain reliever. Widely regarded as the best back pain relief medication.
- Contains an active ingredient that can be quite effective for most minor aches and fevers.
- Helpful for muscle aches, arthritis, back pain, and cramps.
- According to a recent survey, ibuprofen is the best and number one prescribed OTC for back pain relief.
- Equally effective for adults and children age 12 and above.
- Used for temporary and quick pain relief, and available without prescription(15)
Customer Review:
I normally use the Kroger brand Ibuprofen but they were out of the size I wanted. I decided to try Basic Care from Amazon. This brand works the same as the Kroger brand I’ve taken for years and it’s about half the cost. I’m sold. I will be trying out other Basic Care products. – D Fugett
Tylenol Extra Strength Acetaminophen Rapid Release Gels
Tylenol is widely-recommended as a fever reducer, body painkiller, and head and body ache reliever.
- Acetaminophen is a powerful and fast-acting ingredient that is active in Tylenol.
- Headache, body ache, and muscle ache may be treated effectively.
- The most physician-recommended medication in the United States
- Used as a rapid back pain reliever(16)
Customer Review:
It’s been years since I’ve taken Tylenol – but I recently discovered I cannot take the pain medication I’ve been using for several years. Had the beginnings of a headache today–took ONE Tylenol gel tablet and didn’t even realize until about 20 minutes later – headache GONE! – Bon
FAQs
What is the most effective over-the-counter pain reliever for back pain?
Ibuprofen is one of the most recommended OTC. It is often considered the best medication for quick and short-term treatment of low back pain. Note that it may produce side effects and can negatively impact the gastrointestinal tract and stomach.
What painkillers are good for back pain?
Some of the best brand name over-the-counter medications for back pain relief:
- Ibuprofen (NSAIDs)
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Aleve (naproxen sodium)
Is Tylenol or Ibuprofen better for back pain?
Both ibuprofen and Tylenol are generally considered great OTC choices for back pain relief.
Ibuprofen can be taken 400 to 600 mg at a time, 4 times per day. According to clinical studies, NSAIDS may provide more relief of back pain than Tylenol (acetaminophen).(17)
What is the fastest way to relieve back pain?
Back pain is a complex ailment and different for everyone. Long term recovery could be a gradual process(18). Following are some of the methods to relieve back pain fast, depending on the underlying cause of the pain and the type of pain involved.
- Hot OR cold pack
- CBD oil or cream
- OTC pain relievers
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat anti-inflammatory food
- Restorative sleep
- Exercise OR rest
Home Remedies for Back Pain
Some of the easiest and most reliable products for getting rid of back pain due to muscle tension are discussed below. Try them in combination for the best results.(19)
Products
LiBa Back and Neck Massager for Trigger Point
Some of the best muscle pain-relieving products can deliver immediate relief. They are available online and customers rate them high – great user experience.
- This selfie back and neck massager is a great help for relief from aching muscles.
- Powerful message tool that reaches trigger points to ease tight and cramped muscles.
- Apply direct pressure to the affected muscle or pain spot.
- As a result of applied pressure and massage, blood circulation is stimulated, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to tissues and cells, for faster muscle relief and recovery.
There are many trigger points throughout the body located in the neck, shoulders, back, torso, thigh/hips, legs, and feet. This trigger point massager is an ideal tool to provide yourself comfort to sore or knotted back muscles (21)
Customer Review:
I have chronic neck and shoulder pain. I go to massage therapy regularly. But I can’t seem to stop scrunching up my shoulders when I’m working on the computer. This thing is incredible. You can put it on a knot and put as much pressure on it as you can possibly stand. I’m in love. – Amanda
Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun
For thousands, this message gun provides powerful relief from chronic back pain.
- High-quality, well-built massage gun that applies repeated pulses of pressure on the affected area to receive instant relief.
- Select the speed and pressure intensity according to your needs.
- Precision targeting with a variety of tips can reduce recovery time.
- Release intense soreness, muscle aches, knots, and cramps(22, 23).
Customer Review:
I hope to help anyone that’s on the fence about ordering this massage gun.
I’m a personal trainer and MMA fighter, so I’m always having to work on myself. I’ve used other percussion guns and this one has been great. The soft tip on this tool is amazing and really helps relax the muscle. I love this tool. I highly recommend giving it a shot. – Favian Gutierrez
FAQ
How do you relieve back pain without medicine?
You can make lifestyle choices and try home remedies for pain relief without medication. Although it could be slow, long term relief is often achieved through natural methods and treatments. Following are some of the best ways to reduce your back pain without using any medication:
- Get high quality, restorative sleep
- Commit to eating an anti-inflammatory, high-nutrition diet
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid toxins and alcohol
- Quit smoking
- Practice yoga and careful, regular aerobic exercise – as tolerated
- Practice mindfulness and avoid stress
References
- https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/features/manage-low-back-pain-home
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322582
- https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/ss/slideshow-relieving-back-pain
- https://www.amazon.com/Back-Stretcher-Massager-Athletes-Tightness/product-reviews/B08J9WF9FS/
- https://www.amazon.com/Back-Stretcher-Massager-Athletes-Tightness/dp/B08J9WF9FS
- https://www.amazon.com/Stretcher-Adjustable-Corrector-Stretching-Treatment/dp/B08L6HBJDY
- https://www.amazon.com/Massager-Cordless-Electric-Handheld-Percussion/dp/B07GJY3J5B
- https://www.amazon.com/Percussion-Adjustable-Intensity-Interchangeable-Shoulders/dp/B008981SDI/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3820295/
- https://peerwell.co/blog/can-cbd-marijuana-help-with-musculoskeletal-pain/
- https://cbdfx.com/products/cbd-hemp-cream/
- https://www.brainspinesurgery.com/cbd-back-pain/
- https://shop.joyorganics.com/
- https://www.health.com/condition/back-pain/back-pain-relief-nsaids
- https://chiropractorinoviedo.com/blog/what-is-the-best-otc-for-back-pain-relief/
- https://www.amazon.com
- https://www.amazon.com/Tylenol-Strength-Release-Acetaminophen-Reliever/dp/B01HI7WP0U/
- https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/features/manage-low-back-pain-home
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/home-remedies-for-low-back-pain
- https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/home-remedies-treatments-and-therapies-for-back-pain/
- https://www.amazon.com/LiBa-Massager-Trigger-Fibromyalgia-Massage/dp/B07P5PFFMZ
- https://www.amazon.com/Sonic-Handheld-Percussion-Massage-High-Intensity/dp/B07QTBVYJ1
- https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Massager-Percussion-Massagers-DamKee/dp/B07Y654QZM
- https://www.ninds.nih.gov/low-back-pain-fact-sheet
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538173/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6851039/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5339266/
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/19396.htm
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8173427/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9272698/
- https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/back-pain
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32421842/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31793418/
