I've had pain far longer than I've had fibromyalgia. I started having periodic back and neck pain when I was about 8, later developed mild scoliosis, and was left with muscle damage (including myofascial trigger points) in my back muscles from a jarring accident when I was 10.
I've read that Americans spend millions upon millions of dollars every year on products aimed at relieving back pain, and I know I've contributed my share over the years. I've had anti-gravity chairs with vibrating massage, hand-held massagers, heated vibrating neck wraps, massage chair pads, you name it. They've all had their good and bad points, but just before last Christmas I saw a new Homedics massage chair pad that had a lot of the features I'd wished for but never found: spot massage, different kinds of motion, and a special area for the neck and shoulders.
Thanks to my amazing husband (who will do anything he can to help relieve my symptoms) and a 20% off coupon, the chair pad was my Christmas gift. It's become an important part of my pain management regimen, and I wanted to let you know its pros and cons so you could see if it would benefit you as well. You can see my review of this product here:
Have you used this product or a similar one? I'd love to hear what you think -- leave your comments below!
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I bought myself a massage chair pad last fall (same one as Adrienne described but with less options). Over the past couple of years I have found regular massages, which were once a luxury, have now become a necessity. If I neglect having one at least every couple of weeks (due to time or financial constraints), my level of daily pain, fatigue and other symptoms increases significantly. With this knowledge in mind, I opted to try a massage chair pad to use on a ‘maintenance’ basis between my visits to my massage therapist and I love it (so do my kids)!! The combination of heat and roling massage is great for working on those knots, spasms and stress points I get as well as just relaxing me physically and mentally. It’s definitely a two thumbs-up product in my opinion.
I tried a shiatsu massage chair in the mall and it literally made me cry and want to scream. I have a torn disc in my low back and I think it was too penetrating of a massage.
Maybe this item is gentler? I’m still too afraid to try.
I have a $20 Wahl massager that I found at a drug store. It has several attachments and two different intensities. I find it very useful.
Next week, I will be getting a heated mattress pad… Oh, do I want to try it out!
Having a pre-knowlegde of what you want in your chair pads, will ensure you make the tight choice out of many arrays of brands and designs that is available in the market. Now if your intention is for massaging then you need to pay closer attention to the materials being used.
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