Are you on a quest to find the best massage chairs for back and neck pain?
Then you’re in the right place. Because I have done the hard work for you and have reviewed dozens of models.
In addition, I will introduce the following related topics.
- Product Details (Including advantages and disadvantages)
- Massage Chair Benefits
- Massage Chair Buyer’s Guide
- Recommendations for Those Who Suffer from Back Pain
- Massage Chair Components
- Brands of Massage Chairs
…
Without further ado, let’s begin!
Back pain happens to almost everyone at one time or another. In fact, it is estimated that nearly 80 percent of the population experiences back pain. Therefore, if this is happening to you, you can rest assured that you are in good company. Back pain can present differently in different people. Some have nearly constant, throbbing pain. Others experience quick stabs of pain. Back pain can be classified as either chronic or acute. If you have chronic back pain, you have been experiencing the issue for quite some time. Acute back pain does not last as long. If you suffer from chronic back pain, you may be desperate to find something that can help you to live a pain-free life again.
There are a number of different methods by which you can seek relief for chronic back pain. For example, pharmaceuticals, acupuncture and inversion therapy are all popular treatment methods. In general, most people take pharmaceuticals. This is not always the best option, however. Massage therapy is also available to those that are willing to take advantage of it. Massage can help with both types of back pain, and it is a natural route to relief. This stands in sharp contrast to taking pharmaceuticals. If your back starts to hurt, it is a good idea to get a massage to help relieve yourself of the pain. The method works, and best of all, it is a natural way to inspire healing in the body.
More and more people are discovering the benefits of getting a massage. In a ten year time period, from 2002 until 2012, the percentage of people utilizing massage therapy rose by nearly forty percent. Most of these individuals went to a professional massage therapist. The cost of treatment ranged from $40 to more than $250 per hour. The price is influenced by a number of factors, including geography, the type of establishment and the kind of massage.
A good massage therapist can really help with your back pain. However, you may not be in an area where you can get a massage, or you may not have the time to stop what you are doing and get one. Obviously, visiting a professional massage therapist is ideal. However, if that is not possible, you may be able to find some relief through the use of a massage chair.
Massage Chairs: A Route To Healing
Massage chairs can help with back pain due to several different factors.
First, heat therapy is a great way to deal with back pain. It helps blood circulate to the areas where it is needed. This helps get damaged muscles back on track. There is research to back up the idea that heat therapy is an effective way to handle back pain.
Second, massage chairs help tense muscles loosen up and become more flexible. It is not unusual to get a muscle strain and to consequently feel tension near your spine as a result. A massage chair is a great way to help your body relax.
Third, getting a massage helps to raise the number of endorphins in your body. Endorphins are chemicals; they influence your mood, helping you to feel happier. When you have more endorphins in your body, you will not feel pain as acutely.
Finally, massage does great things for your posture. There are a few reasons why you want to have good posture. For example, good posture helps you avoid breathing issues and helps out your bloodstream. When you sit in a massage chair, your muscles are able to relax and become more flexible. As a result, you are able to maintain better posture. This is particularly beneficial if you work at a job where you are not very active. Spending time relaxing ultimately helps you to have more energy and allows you to feel better over time.
Massage chairs have come a long way in the past few years, due to developments in technology. In fact, sitting in a massage chair now gives you an experience that is very similar to one that you might have in a salon or a spa. The chairs are designed to work with a variety of different shapes and sizes. You may even be able to find a chair that has a built-in scanning system. Before you get the massage, your body is scanned and the system is able to determine what type of massage you should get and how long it should last. It is also important to note that a massage chair is a good investment. While you do have to pay a certain sum of money up front, you can then use your massage chair for a long time. You don’t have to find the time to visit with a massage therapist and can instead get most of the benefits of a regular massage from the comfort of your own home.
Price
At this stage, there is no research indicating which type of massage chair is most effective at cutting back on back pain. Also, massage chairs vary greatly in price. You may be able to find one as low as $400 and as high as several thousand dollars. Typically, the more money you pay for something, the better product you will get. This rule does not hold true with massage chairs, however. There are some models that outperform their more expensive counterparts.
Massage Chairs for Back & Neck Pain Comparison Table
You must do your research when you are ready to purchase a massage chair, because there are so many different styles available. Some have more features than others, so you must determine what is important to you. Included below is a list of the top five massage chairs, rated according to the way they look, the features they include and how well they performed with users. Take a careful look at the list to determine if your next chair is on it.
Best Massage Chairs for Back & Neck Pain
- Real Relax Full Body Massage Chair Recliner
- Zero Gravity Full-Body Kahuna Massage Chair Recliner LM6800 with yoga & heating therapy
- Luraco Technologies iRobotics 7 Medical Massage Chair
- RELAXONCHAIR MK-II Plus [Redesigned] Full Massage Chair with Built Heating and Air Massage System
- Ideal Massage Full Featured Shiatsu Chair with Built in Heat Zero Gravity Positioning Deep Tissue Massage
1. Real Relax Full Body Massage Chair Recliner – Best Budget Massage Chair
- 2020 Updating favor 03 plus: Add Bluetooth audio play and changing Led...
- Zero Gravity: One button zero-gravity design, feel virtually...
- Full Body Masage: 8 massage neck back rollers, 50 airbags placed to...
- Customize Massage: Use the remote to set rollers and airbags massage...
- Comes with 2 boxes, easy to assemble, timer up to 30 minutes, height...
This chair is constructed out of leather, making it pleasant to sit on. There is a VFD display screen, so you can easily figure out which features you are tapping into during your session. If you want to change up your experience, simply use the included remote to pull up the feature that you want. There are also a number of other great features available as well.
- Four special massage programs available as presets
- Improved effectiveness, thanks to the 50 air bags located throughout the entire seating surface
- Waist heating pad
- Easy installation
- The air pipe and a few other parts are fragile, so you need to assembly the chair with great care
- The only color choices are black and brown
- The three year warranty is available only for an additional fee.
2. Zero Gravity Full-Body Kahuna Massage Chair Recliner LM6800 with yoga & heating therapy – Editors’ Choice & Best Seller
- 11/22/19 New Amazon Exclusive Promotion- 2 Years additoinal warranty...
- L-Track massage system, 3 stages of Zero Gravity, Smart body scan...
- Best warranty service for online massage chair company – Easy to...
- Footer Area has dual foot rollers and detachable & washable footer...
This massage chair taps in to Shiatsu techniques, making it a fairly sophisticated model with several different features. There is a control panel built in to the chair that allows you to select from different options, but you can also use the included remote control if you would like. The chair’s technology zeros in on your body’s stress points, help you to relax through tapping, kneading, rolling and more.
If you were to visit with a massage therapist, you would find that many of them implement Tai Chi and Hula techniques in their sessions. The nice thing about this chair is that it incorporates these techniques, too! You’ll feel more energized when you are finished with your massage. In addition, there is a yoga stretching program that focuses on the whole body and assists you in getting rid of toxins and waste. Using this chair, therefore, is a great stress reliever.
The chair looks a little imposing and may be difficult to move around, but it shouldn’t be hard to find a spot for it, even in smaller rooms. One nice thing about this chair is that it can be placed within five or six inches of the wall; most chairs ask for at least fifteen inches of space.
The dual foot rollers are a feature that is not to be missed. They feel great on the body and they also tap into acupuncture points, which is not something that you find in all massage chairs.
There are airbags under the arms that alternately inflate and then deflate. The chair also has a body scanning system, so it determines what massage is right for you. There are several other notable features as well. For example, there is a setting for a calf and foot massage. There is also heat therapy directed at the calves and lower back.
When you purchase this massage chair, you are given a three year limited warranty on the parts. That should help people who are nervous about making a large investment.
- One of the top sellers in its category
- Excellent value for money
- L-track roller system that works from neck to the lower lumbar area
- Heating pad for the lower back area and for the calves
- Zero Gravity function
- FDA registered
- 3-year warranty included
- There isn’t any option to adjust the intensity on specific areas
3. Luraco Technologies iRobotics 7 Medical Massage Chair – Professional’s Choice
- Most technically up-to-date, fast-responding, heavy-duty, and smart...
- Pause and resume buttons, 6 locations for multi-intensity massage...
- Noise reduction technology - lets the user relax in peace. ; body...
- Fda, CE, and UL listed. Built for safety and medicinal benefits.
- The only massage chair Line that is researched, developed and...
There are so many features associated with the iRobotics 7 that it is easy to see why there is a slightly higher price tag associated with this chair! One important piece of information to keep in mind is that it is the only massage chair that was created and constructed in the United States.
This chair comes with a touch screen controller, which makes it easy to select the massage that you want. It has a scanning program capable of selecting the right massage for you. In addition, it has the capability to hold five profiles, so you can quickly get what you need, when you need it.
The Food and Drug Administration has this chair noted as a medical therapy device, a distinction that has not been bestowed on any other massage chair. The heating system, the swivel system, and the 3D robotic system all work together to help reduce stress, cut back on pain, increase mobility and help the user to relax.
The Luraco Technologies iRobotics 7 massage chair is exactly what you need if you suffer from sore muscles or back pains caused by fibromyalgia or arthritis. This chair features 9 massage presets, as well as unlimited customization possibilities.
- FDA-approved
- Manufactured in the USA and used by the military
- 5-year warranty of parts and 3-year warranty of workmanship
- Wide array of massage capabilities for all body types and sizes
- User-friendly touch screen controller
- Relatively expensive
4. RELAXONCHAIR MK-II Plus [Redesigned] Full Massage Chair with Built Heating and Air Massage System – Editors’ Choice & Excellent Product
![RELAXONCHAIR [MK-II Plus] Full Body Zero Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair with Built-in Heat and Air Massage...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41XwgadCwPL._SL160_.jpg)
- REDESIGNED & UPGRADED W/ ONE HAND OPERATION REMOTE CONTROLLER, GENTLE...
- THREE STAGE ULTRA AUTOMATIC ZERO GRAVITY MULTI-FUNCTION MASSAGE CHAIR:...
- BUTTLOCK L-TRACKING MASSAGE SYSTEM: The rollers glide from the upper...
- DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE & FULL BODY STRETCHING: Designed to provide...
- LOWER BACK HEATING: 2 heating pads in lower back area that enhance the...
To start with, this chair isn’t just a massage chair, it is a L-track massager. L-track massage chairs deliver the longest massage strokes available today. this means you will be massaged from your neck down to your buttocks, which is perfect if you sit for most of the day. This chair can also mimic a human massage by scanning your body contours for a more personalized touch. If you suffer from tight muscles, this chair has a deep tissue massage option that will take care of them. When it focuses on your neck muscles, you will feel so relaxed you may want to fall asleep.
Massage sessions can be customized fully by the user. The chair has three massage speeds which can be adjusted to accommodate the needs of the user. It also comes with a tapping, kneading, and combo massage programs already pre-configured.
If you’re in need of a full body stretch, it is fully supported by the spinal decompression feature. Chair support is accomplished via a system of air cells. These cells then go through a series of calculated motions that stretch the muscles of your back and legs.
A calf and foot massager is also included with the RC-MKII. This feature expands as well. The calf and foot massager gives a compression massage via a system of airbags and foot rollers that work together to put your body in a state of relaxation.
The most important feature of this chair is its zero gravity positions, of which there are three. Yep, that’s right. You have access to 3 zero gravity positions with this chair. No other chair on the market provides this. This feature puts it head and shoulders above the competition. Before making a final decision, consider the following.
Buyers of the RC-MKII are protected by a solid warranty. For starters, it’s good for three years. Parts and labor are covered during the first year. During the second year, you’re covered for any labor and structural framework that is required. In the final year, you are only covered for structural framework. Basically, during the warranty period, any damage or malfunction that occurs will be covered by the manufacturer at little or no cost to you.
One drawback to the RC-MKII is its size. This chair is quite large, making it impractical for small spaces. For example, when using the third zero gravity mode, the chair can extend up to 2 feet away from the wall.
- Three zero gravity position capability, an industry first
- Total body stretching option
- Massage robot with L-track capability
- Full body scan via patented computer technology
- Foot rollers
- Therapeutic heat option
- Four pre-set automatic massage programs
- Takes up a lot of space
5. Ideal Massage Full Featured Shiatsu Chair with Built in Heat Zero Gravity Positioning Deep Tissue Massage – Excellent Product
- Ideal S L-track zero gravity massage chair has one of the longest...
- Smart 3D massage chair with Auto height detection. Lay back and let...
- Rolling Foot Massage (electronic rollers under the foot sooth and...
- Air Acupressure massage with the latest generation of multi chambered...
- 🚚 IMPORTANT* Please note that delivery of your new Shiatsu massage...
The Ideal Massage Shiatsu Chair may provide the most bang for your buck for 2017 and it’s highly rated two. This chair has the ability to massage users for 30 minutes straight on full power. The Idea comes with many options available. As you can expect from the name, becomes with a shiatsu massage feature, and massage feature that mimics a real human, as well as clapping, tapping and rolling massages.
It comes with four massage programs already programmed into it right out of the box that can be controlled by the user with an easy to use remote control found by the armrest. If you love shiatsu massage, you won’t be disappointed. This feature is so amazing, you may even think you’re being massaged by a real person.
There is also a heat therapy device built into the back of the recliner. This device will begin to heat by itself during the massage process. Stress points of your body are addressed via several different techniques.
- Zero gravity option
- Relaxing deep tissue massage
- 4 pre-programmed massage functions.
- Your choice of deep tissue, vibration, and heat massage options.
- Set up is simple.
- Massage extends into the tailbone
- Does not have a full body stretch feature
- The zero gravity option is less than adequate according to many users
- The recline function that comes preset cannot be changed
Buying Guide: Massage Chair Guidelines to Follow when Purchasing
When deciding whether or not to invest in a massage chair, there is several things to keep in mind. Once you have decided to make the leap, now it’s time to figure out which chair is best for your circumstances. This step can seem complicated. Because there are so many brands, models, and options available, you may find yourself overwhelmed with the number of choices. To find out which chair works best for your situation, you should consider the following tips before you buy.
These massage chairs are quite expensive. Because of this, it is important that you do your due diligence first before investing in one of these robotic massage chairs so that you aren’t wasting money. In our buying guide below, you will learn about a few tips you should follow that will help you get the right chair for you.
Basic comfort – take a seat in the chair and see how it feels. Different chairs have different shapes and fits, which means some may fit one person better than another, so it is important that you make sure the chair fits you comfortably.
Massage strength – test the massage intensity to make sure it works for you. If you require a stronger massage, stick to chairs that have strong movements and components that protrude above the chair’s surface. If you prefer a less intense massage, stick with chairs that have small rollers and components as well as weaker movements.
Adjustability & presets – be sure to test the preset options. All massage chairs don’t focus on the same areas, so it is important that you make sure the preset options available on the chair you are looking at addresses your problem areas. Some models and more variability than others. If your chair will be used by multiple people, the ability to customize for each person will be important as each person will likely have their own specific needs to address.
Accessories – Some massage chairs come with a leg rest feature like those commonly found on your typical recliner. Leg position can be important for some people suffering from back pain, so it is important that you make sure any leg rest features can be used comfortably by you. In addition, many chairs come with leg rest options that have built in massage capabilities.
Chair appearance – like most chairs, massage chairs are available in many shapes and sizes. They are typically made from a variety of materials including leather, faux leather, plastic and wood. While appearance shouldn’t be the main criteria used when deciding on a massage chair, it may play a role.
Cost – as stated earlier, these robotic massage chairs aren’t cheap. Price should always be considered before you make your final decision.
Recommendations for Those Who Suffer from Back Pain:
Are you searching for a massage chair to help with your back pain? If so, do not buy any chair unless it includes the following three features:
1. Heating
Heat therapy is key when it comes to addressing back pain, so any chair considered for this purpose must contain a heating option. Heat is the best way to loosen strained and tightened muscles, which are usually the cause of back pain, so you can see why this feature is so important.
2. Shiatsu massage
It is a well-known fact among back pain specialists that Shiatsu massage therapy is a proven technique for lessening back pain. This was discovered by researchers who used shiatsu massage to address the back pain of 66 patients. the pain level experienced by each patient was measured before and after they received treatment, with each patient receiving four shiatsu massage treatments. Every patient experienced a significant lowering of their pain level after each treatment.
3. Must be adjustable
Each person requires a different level of massage intensity, therefore it is important that any chair you consider having just double massage levels. Because a chair isn’t like a person, you can’t just tell it to massage you less intensely. The only way to adjust massage intensity is it the chair comes with that capability, so be sure that it does. if not, you may be wasting your money because they massage intensity level may not be appropriate for your situation.
Massage Chair Components
Most massage chairs today provide massage techniques that seek to mimic those of the shiatsu and Swedish massages. Shiatsu massages usually focus on pressing and sweeping movements, as well as patting and rolling. The object of shiatsu massage is typically to release tension in specific body locations. Swedish massages usually include kneading motions and long strokes. Improving and encouraging strong circulation is usually the goal of a Swedish massage. In order to provide a massage similar to these two techniques, most massage chairs, with the following three components:
These come in different sizes and shapes and are designed to feel like the hands of a masseuse. Large nodes and rollers are preferred for those who desire a more generalized full body massage experience, whereas smaller nose and rollers are preferred for those who desire a more detailed massage experience that focuses on specific areas. These specific areas are most commonly in the back, and the movements used to address these areas are pre-programmed into the chair. These nodes as well as the rollers can be adjusted to accommodate the needs of the user.
Possibly the most important feature. Because massage chairs will be used by people of all shapes and sizes, they have been designed to adjust automatically to accommodate these different sizes. The computer-assisted adjustability feature adjusts the protrusion of the nodes and rollers depending on the amount of pressure it senses on the seat back. The computer is also capable of sensing specific areas of the back which allows it to make any necessary adjustments in height and width to accommodate the user. If necessary, the accompanying control pad can be used to improve these positions.
Brands of Massage Chairs
There is no better way to relieve back pain after a long day at work, than to come home to relax in a massage chair. With so many chairs available on the market, choosing just the right one for you can be a bit challenging. Here are some of the best massage chairs to help you make a purchasing decision that you won’t regret.
Panasonic Massage Chair
Since the 1960’s, Panasonic has been a pacesetter in the competitive world of massage chair innovation. The company has the lofty goal of designing their massage chairs to feel as close to a human touch as possible. Their chairs are formulated in Japan, using the most advanced shiatsu styles and techniques. Panasonic massage chairs provide the ultimate in options, coverage, and quality. Their chairs are well-loved by their users, who leave positive feedback on review sites. Panasonic has earned its reputation for producing impeccable electronics.
Inada Massage Chair
Inada is also a pioneer dating back to the inception of massage chair development. They are the last remaining Japanese manufacturer of massage chairs, and it’s the Japanese craftsmanship that places them as an industry leader at the forefront of massage chair innovation. They are most famous for their Inada Sogno Dreamwave chair. Their chairs feature the most intriguing airbag system of any manufacturer, providing top-quality massages, leading other companies to attempt to duplicate their technology. They are beautifully designed and easy to use.
Osaki Massage Chair
Osaki has been designing and developing massage therapy chairs for years, leading to the development of many industry leading innovations, such as the 48 airbags, zero gravity, and imaginative preprogrammed functions that are featured in the Osaki OS-4000 massage chair. Their 3D roller technology is ahead of the curve. Their focus is on identifying the attributes of a great massage, and incorporating them into their chairs.
Human Touch Massage Chair
This award winning manufacturer is headquartered in Southern California. They are dedicated to providing life changing products to their customers, and they know well the health benefits that their chairs provide. They have a wellness council that encourages innovation with a focus on providing a hands-on experience for their customers. Their most popular chair, the iJoy, is doing exceptionally well in the marketplace, as are their zero gravity wellness chairs.
Cozzia Massage Chair
Cozzia manufactures a variety of massage therapy chairs to meet all budgets while continuing to focus on individual needs. Their zero gravity chair (model 16027) is not only exquisitely beautiful, it provides a range of advanced functions to provide an incomparable massage experience.
Infinity Massage Chair
Infinity first introduced their relaxation and restorative massage chairs in 2009. They are ideal for personal home use, spas, and massage therapists. One of their best innovations is the foot roller massage. The IT-8500 and the Lyashi zero gravity chairs, both featuring inversion technologies, are among their most popular models. These gorgeous chairs have a very small footprint, and are designed with your comfort in mind.
Osim Massage Chair
Their state-of-the-art therapeutic massage chairs focus on providing a full-human touch massage experience. This is achieved remarkably well in the uAstro2 chair, which sets the standard for superior quality and materials. The company offers some industry-leading mobile applications for controlling the chair’s settings.
Conclusion
Regular spa visits to receive a massage, or hiring the services of a professional masseuse, can both be expensive. A therapeutic massage chair can provide a level of relaxation equal to or exceeding that of a professional. Moreover, the convenience of being able to receive the benefits of a massage from the privacy of your own home at the time that you need it the most, is priceless. In the long run, purchasing a high-quality massage chair can actually save you money.
Everyone can benefit from owning their own massage chair. Today’s luxurious massage chairs do not even resemble those of yesteryear, looking indistinguishable from quality sofas or armchairs. They make a stylish addition to any living room. There are so many models to choose from today, that it is easy to find a massage chair that works with any budget. You should buy the most expensive model that you can afford to ensure that your chair will continue to provide all the therapeutic benefits that you desire, for a long time.
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Editors’ Choice & Best Seller
- 11/22/19 New Amazon Exclusive Promotion- 2 Years additoinal warranty...
- L-Track massage system, 3 stages of Zero Gravity, Smart body scan...
- Best warranty service for online massage chair company – Easy to...
- Footer Area has dual foot rollers and detachable & washable footer...
Best Budget
- 2020 Updating favor 03 plus: Add Bluetooth audio play and changing Led...
- Zero Gravity: One button zero-gravity design, feel virtually...
- Full Body Masage: 8 massage neck back rollers, 50 airbags placed to...
- Customize Massage: Use the remote to set rollers and airbags massage...
- Comes with 2 boxes, easy to assemble, timer up to 30 minutes, height...
Professional’s Choice
- Most technically up-to-date, fast-responding, heavy-duty, and smart...
- Pause and resume buttons, 6 locations for multi-intensity massage...
- Noise reduction technology - lets the user relax in peace. ; body...
- Fda, CE, and UL listed. Built for safety and medicinal benefits.
- The only massage chair Line that is researched, developed and...
I’m Lucas. I used to be a back pain sufferer, but I’ve recovered. I created BestforBackPain.com to help others find relief without going to physical therapy or expensive medication.
Last update on 2021-01-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API