7 Best Massage Chairs For Back Pain Relief (2024) | Buying Guide!

(Last Updated On: January 2, 2024)

If you’ve suffered from any kind of body aches, you know that there’s nothing more debilitating to your routine than suffering from back pains. But what can you do about it?

Back pain is usually caused by improper posture or working for an extended period in awkward or body-straining positions. There are ways to reduce back pain. However, most of these methods are not very sustainable.

For example, weekly professional massage costs around $75 an hour. While constant pain medication is very damaging to your kidneys, does this mean your only options are to suffer from back pain, kidney damage, or financial ruin? No, it doesn’t.

That’s why I’ve compiled the seven best massage chairs to help you alleviate back pain and more. Keep reading to learn more.

Review Summary:

• 1. Luraco iRobotics 7 PLUS Medical – #1 Editor’s Choice
  
• 2. Human Touch Super Novo – Space-Saving Design
• 3. Kahuna LM6800 – Best Budget
• 4. Kahuna SM-7300 SL-Track – for Bigger & Heavier People
• 5. Titan Pro Jupiter XL – Great Mid Range Chair for Tall People
• 6. Luraco Legend Plus L-Track – For Petite Users
• 7. Osaki OS-4000T Zero Gravity Executive – with S-Track Design

The Luraco i7 Plus is my best pick because of its medical capabilities. It is currently the most technologically advanced massage chair on the market. You’ll love the complete pain relief capabilities of this chair, as well as the effective massage you’ll receive.

7 Massage Chair For Back Pain Models (Lower & Upper)

I chose seven massage chair brands in the market that can help reduce back pain and its debilitating effects. You might be worried that you won’t be able to find a unit that can suit your needs, but I’ve made sure to cover all of them in the list below.

Before we get into the best models for the back, it’s important to consider a few things:

• Comfort – choose a model that will fit you comfortably. This means you have to make sure the chair isn’t too big or too small for you. It’s also important to consider the materials used.
• Techniques – many people, love shiatsu. However, some prefer a more gentle massage experience. It’s important to consider the programs offered by each chair and go from there.
• Full Body Zero Gravity – zero gravity positioning is highly beneficial for people who suffer from back pain. Not only does it allow you to access a deeper massage for your back, but it also puts your body in a virtually weightless position that facilitates blood flow as well as removes strain from your body.

Take a look at my top picks below:

1. Luraco iRobotics 7 PLUS Medical –  #1 Back Massage Chair

Luraco is the best massage chair brands available in the USA today. The Luraco iRobotics 7 Plus is the best choice. It boasts high-tech features as well as targets problem areas you didn’t even think about. It is designed to provide ultimate comfort and medical-grade massage therapy.

Here are its most notable features:

Noise Reduction Tech – Maximizes the benefits of relaxing completely. This model reduces noise effectively so you can thoroughly enjoy its complete therapeutic benefits. After all, you can enjoy a great massage if you’re constantly worried about the creaking or shifting noises that come with many massage chairs.

Custom Massage Intensity and Experience – in its effort to mimic a real human massage, this recliner offers six massage zones that allow you to control the intensity. Additionally, you can also choose to pause and resume your Massage at any time.

Summary: The Luraco i7 Plus is a great chair. It’s highly therapeutic and easily customizable to fit your needs. You’ll enjoy the premium attributes and high-quality technology put into this unit. However, it does cost a pretty penny and the customer service isn’t very helpful.

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2. Human Touch Super Novo – Top Space-Saving Design Back Massager with Lower Back Target

If you don’t have a lot of space for a massage chair or are looking for a model that keeps your room from feeling cluttered, the Human Touch Super Novo is the best choice for you. You’ll love the space-saving technology on this unit that allows you to fully recline it despite there not being much wall clearance.

Here are some of the other features I liked:

User-Friendly Controls – The controls are very easy to access. You’ll enjoy being able to control your chair with the touch of your finger. This means you don’t have to exert extra effort for your chair to understand what you want, like other models.

Alexa Compatible – you’ll enjoy the voice recognition on this unit that allows you to connect it to Alexa. This means it feels like you have a virtual therapist at home to keep you company. It’s also ideal for those with limited sight or who would prefer to control their chair through voice commands.

S and L Track System – it also comes with an advanced hybrid S and L-track system. This targets your lower back, upper back, hamstrings, and glutes effectively. That means it will effectively give you a full of benefits.

Heat Therapy – you’ll enjoy the heated foot rollers as well as calf massage. It features an optimized reflexology program that targets your calves, knees, and feet.

Summary: The Super Novo certainly has a lot of potential. It comes packed with a lot of great attributes that deliver a good massage that targets lower back pain and neck pain effectively. However, one of its key selling points—the voice commands, is not fully integrated and is severely limited.

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3. Kahuna LM6800 – Top Budget Option

Don’t be fooled by the price. The Kahuna LM6800 is one of the most feature-rich massage chair units on the market. This Kahuna is the ultimate budget zero-gravity chair. That’s a feature you mostly only see in higher-end units. Even when you find it for a budget-friendly price, it’s usually not very good. Luckily, the Kahuna LM-6800 delivers a great zero-gravity experience.

Take a look at its best features:

Yoga Stretching – the benefits of yoga are boundless. However, not everyone has the time, space, or flexibility to perform effective yoga stretches. You’ll love the yoga feature on this model that helps alleviate back pain and release muscle tension.

Three-Stage Zero Gravity – most budget zero-gravity chairs only come in one position. This shiatsu model allows you to choose between three zero gravity positions that unlock a deeper back massage with every position.

Summary: The LM6800 is an ideal choice if you want a feature-rich yet affordable massage unit. You’ll love the multi-position zero gravity recline options as well as the high-tech massage attributes on this chair.

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4. Kahuna SM-7300 SL-Track – Great Massage Chair for Bigger & Heavier People

If you’re on the taller or heavier side of the spectrum, you know it can be difficult to find a reliable massage chair that can fit us comfortably. This Kahuna chair can accommodate up to 6 feet 5 inches and 320 lbs. That said, it’s also great even if you’re more petite.

Take a look at the qualities that caught my eye:

Acupressure Feature – this model features six rollers that have acupressure bumps on them to effectively relieve you of your stress and back pain. This means you’ll get a more effective deep tissue massage while the chair targets specific acupressure points to enhance your overall health.

Sports Massage Feature – if your body is overworked and overfatigued, you’ll enjoy the sports feature on this model. It allows your muscles to recover faster while relieving pain quickly.

Squeeze Massage – if you aren’t a fan of too-intense massages or perhaps you’re looking for something that is more relaxing, the wraparound squeeze massage feature on the SM-7300 will envelop your tired feet and perform one of three options at a time. You can choose between three techniques: kneading, rolling, and scraping.

Summary: The Kahuna SM-7300 is a good choice if you’re looking for a model that can handle taller and heavier users. This also means it’s meant to be more durable than other massage chairs. However, the customer service is poor and the poor quality control process might leave you with a product that needs constant claims for warranty.

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5. Titan Pro Jupiter XL with Lumbar Heat – Great Mid-Range Chair for Tall People

The Jupiter XL is a great alternative to the Kahuna SM-7300 because of its price. This mid-range chair fits users up to 6 feet 6 inches in height comfortably. I especially like the contemporary design that fits perfectly into any space. Aside from that, it’s also the first L-Track with 3D tech designed by Titan.

Take a look at its most notable features:

Five Speed Control – you’ll enjoy switching between the various massage speeds on this unit. It allows you to unlock a truly customizable massage experience tailored to your needs and preferences. This means if you feel like going over a certain area much more slowly than others, you can do so with ease.

Head Massage – most massage chairs I’ve come across neglect your head. The Jupiter XL is one of the few massage chairs I’ve come across that dedicate a head massage to give you a true massage experience.

Heat Therapy – The Titan Jupiter XL features lower lumbar heat that effectively soothes back pain as well as facilitates good blood flow to help your muscles recover faster.

Summary: The Titan XL comes in multiple color choices and packs a lot of good attributes. However, the height accommodation doesn’t effectively coincide with the weight restriction. This makes it ideal for taller users but not so much for heavier users. Nonetheless, it’s a great model that comes with zero gravity reclining positions and an efficient 3D body massage.

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6. Luraco Legend Plus L-Track – For Petite Users

The Luraco Legend Plus is a very cozy massage recliner unit. It’s marketed towards petite and slender users who have trouble finding a massage chair that doesn’t feel too spacious for them. Because of this, it’s also very space-efficient. So if you can fit comfortably in it, this is your best choice.

Take a look at its features:

Noise Reduction – this unit is designed to be as quiet as possible. You won’t hear any odd sounds coming from the chair as it shifts between massage modes. You also won’t hear too much outside noise thanks to its design. After all, your neighbor’s singing isn’t the most relaxing background noise, is it?

Automatic Body Detection – to give you a more custom-tailored and body-specific massage, it utilizes 3D body scan technology that relocates the massage rollers to fit the curves of your body specifically. Your days of contorting your body to fit your chair are over.

Summary: The Luraco Legend Plus is a great massage chair that provides great value. It’s more suitable for petite and slender users so it’s not an option if you’re on the taller side of the spectrum. That said, if you can fit comfortably into Luraco, you’ll love the great attributes and benefits that come with it. Choose this unit if you want a fully customizable chair.

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7. Osaki OS-4000T  – Top-Rated Chair with S-Track Design

This zero gravity massage chair is built for those who work long office hours. The advanced S-track system fits into the contours of your spine well to give you a more effective massage experience. Despite somehow lacking because of the S-track system, it boasts a lot of convenient and effective features that you’ll enjoy like:

Wireless Controller – in addition to the full-size control panel, the OS-4000T comes with a wireless controller that allows you to access the basic functions of the chair while fully reclined, so you don’t need to awkwardly reach for the control panel.

User-friendly Remote – the full-sized control panel is easy to understand and operate. It allows you to identify massage features quickly as well as control the chair with ease.

Two-Stage Zero Gravity Recline – you’ll enjoy the two stages of zero gravity positioning on this massage recliner. It features a true zero gravity experience inspired by NASA’s zero gravity technology which means it’s ultimately effective.

Summary: If you’d like to focus on a back massage and its effects, this massage recliner is the ideal choice. However, if you take into consideration the other aspects of a truly effective massage chair like the foot massage or heat therapy, you’ll find this unit lacking. Ultimately, it’s an okay chair. It’s just not the best.

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Tips for Back Pain Sufferers

Tip 1: Maintain a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight will remove stress from your body because it needs to exert less effort to support you. Some people are not aware of this fact. If you’re severely overweight, your back will have a hard time supporting the extra weight.

Tip 2: Good Posture is Ideal

Back pain is also caused by poor posture. If you don’t observe proper posture, your back is more likely to be strained.

Do your back a favor and practice proper posture to keep your muscles from over-exerting themselves.

Tip 3: Stretch!

I always tell my clients to look for a massage chair that can stretch their whole body. This helps relieve back pain as well as keep it at bay. If you’re not in your chair, you should still stretch as much as you can. Simple stretching exercises will do. Just keep your muscles well-stretched.

Dangers of Massage Chairs

As medical professionals, we use our knowledge of the human body and the specific conditions of the individual to help us better treat our patients. Oftentimes, it is not enough to simply know what is wrong and know how to fix it. Sometimes we must go beyond the information and make judgment calls.

Whether you are a physical therapist, medical assistant, physician assistant, or even an intern, it is not unheard of for a therapist to refer a patient for a surgical procedure. The situation could come in two forms: either the issue is beyond your scope of knowledge and cannot be properly fixed, or the patient is too unstable and will not respond to treatment. When the patient is too ill to endure a procedure, the best alternative is to refer the patient to a physician for surgery.

It is rare that a patient would be referred for physical therapy treatment after a diagnostic procedure, though. This is not for a lack of understanding on the part of the therapist. Rather, it is due to a disconnect between the medical staff and the patient. The first and most likely issue is that the doctor does not believe the person to be stable enough to be treated.

The second and more likely issue is that the therapist does not want to commit to a specific treatment plan. This can be due to any number of factors and is something that the therapist needs to be more aware of. It is often difficult for medical professionals to assess whether or not a patient can tolerate treatment.

Do Doctors Recommend Massage Chairs?

If you are shopping for a massage chair, you are probably wondering whether the item you choose is really worth the investment. Before you jump into making your final choice, you need to know more about the benefits of massage that these types of chairs offer. After you decide which kind of chair is the best for you, you need to make sure that you visit the store where you purchased it in person.

Did you know that massage chairs can be used anywhere you can reach out? You just need to fold down the arms on the chair, and then you will be able to bring it wherever you need it. This can be a perfect solution for those who need a chair in their home, especially if the room has no access to the bathroom.

Questions & Answers:

Can Massage Chairs Hurt Your Back & Be Harmful?

Yes. Massage chairs can be harmful if you use it daily. But that applies to anything. The key is to practice moderation.

Will a Massage Chair Help Sciatica?

Definitely. If you want a chair that can effectively help you with sciatic pain, you should look for a massage recliner that delivers a deep tissue massage.

The slow strokes and deep pressure can also help reduce your sciatic pain nearly immediately.

Can I Use Massage Chair Every Day?

No. You can definitely overuse a massage chair. The key is to use it moderately. Sitting in your chair every day will definitely have adverse effects and can do more damage than help with your pain.

The recommended use is two or three times a week. It’s also recommended to use it for short periods only. Say, two 20-minute sessions each day.

What Do Chiropractors Think About Massage Chairs?

Within the realm of holistic health and wellness, a fascinating synergy exists between chiropractic care and massage therapy. Yet, the question persists: what is the perspective of chiropractors on the subject of massage chairs?

Opinions among chiropractors regarding massage chairs tend to span a diverse spectrum, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the discussion. Many chiropractors hold a positive view of massage chairs as valuable tools in the pursuit of well-being. These chairs, with their ability to simulate various massage techniques, can offer tangible benefits to individuals seeking relaxation and muscle tension relief. Chiropractors who embrace this perspective often view massage chairs as complementary to their treatments, advocating for their usage as a prelude to chiropractic adjustments or as a means to extend the benefits of an adjustment between sessions.

However, it’s paramount to recognize that while massage chairs offer convenience and momentary relief, they should not be perceived as replacements for the expertise of a trained chiropractor. Chiropractors undergo extensive education to diagnose and address musculoskeletal issues through precise adjustments that target the root causes of pain. While massage chairs can alleviate symptoms, they lack the diagnostic capabilities and personalized touch that human chiropractors provide.

From the standpoint of chiropractic philosophy, massage chairs might be seen as an adjunct rather than a substitute. The combination of chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy, whether delivered through skilled hands or mechanized chairs, can offer a holistic approach to managing discomfort and promoting overall vitality. Some chiropractors even advocate for specific massage chair models to enhance their patients’ well-being and complement the benefits of chiropractic care.

Conversely, some chiropractors approach massage chairs with caution, particularly when it comes to exaggerated claims about their effectiveness. Skeptics often argue that while massage chairs can provide temporary relief, they might oversimplify the intricate nature of musculoskeletal issues. These chiropractors maintain that a comprehensive assessment by a trained professional is essential for devising effective treatment plans.

In essence, the perspective of chiropractors on massage chairs varies widely. While many acknowledge the potential benefits these chairs can bring for relaxation and short-term relief, they simultaneously stress the irreplaceable value of personalized chiropractic care. The symbiosis between chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy, whether experienced through a massage chair or the hands of a chiropractor, remains a subject of exploration and discussion. As with any health-related decisions, individuals are encouraged to engage in open dialogues with their chiropractors to determine how massage chairs can complement their journey toward optimal well-being.

Can You Sleep in a Massage Chair?

It doesn’t matter if you need some of that rare stillness you need to heal your brain. Whether you need some after working or studying at night, or you just want to unwind, investing in a massage chair might be exactly what you need. So, how do you know if you can actually sleep in one? Most massage chairs are just as quiet as any other chair, so you should be able to get a good night’s rest. However, there are some complaints about the experience of sleeping in the chair, including some instances of it moving around when someone isn’t looking. And if you feel it’s moving while you’re trying to sleep, you should know it might be righting itself.

To see if a certain model moves and moves while you’re sleeping, you’ll need to know the base model’s base and motor speed. You should know if you can adjust these levels to adjust for comfort. If you’re paying hundreds of dollars for a chair, you can’t expect to find a cushy recliner and then have it move around while you’re trying to sleep. It’s an added cost to get a product that actually works right out of the box.

Negative Effects Of Back Pain

Back pain can have a significant negative impact on an individual’s overall health and quality of life. Here are some of the potential negative effects of back pain:

• Chronic pain: Pain that lingers for more than three months is classified as chronic and its effects can be life-altering. It not only hinders a person’s ability to engage in everyday activities, but it also impedes their capacity to work or take part in physical pursuits.

• Reduced mobility: An individual’s range of movement can be heavily restricted when they endure back pain, leading to reduced mobility and the potential for falls or other accidents.

• Depression and anxiety: Excessive and persistent pain can have a detrimental effect on an individual’s emotional well-being, manifesting in depression, worry, and tension.

• Poor sleep: Prolonged back pain can be a major impediment to restful sleep, resulting in daytime sluggishness and exhaustion.

• Reduced work productivity: When afflicted with chronic back pain, one may experience a reduction in their capacity to complete job duties as well as an increased probability of workplace accidents due to difficulty focusing and concentrating.

• Social isolation: Severe back pain can prevent individuals from engaging in social interactions, resulting in a deep sense of alienation and solitude.

• Increased healthcare costs: Back pain can be a costly medical condition, with frequent visits to the doctor and physical therapy sessions driving up healthcare costs. Over time, this could add up tremendously.

• Opioid dependence: People who suffer from persistent back pain may be given opioids to alleviate their discomfort, yet these drugs can become addictive and cause addiction-related health issues.

• Decreased quality of life: If left untreated, chronic back pain can have an enormous impact on your life and reduce the joy of everyday activities. To combat these effects and ensure your continued well-being, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible if you are experiencing this type of discomfort. With the right treatment plan in place, you will be able to enjoy a better quality of life with improved health outcomes.

How to Choose Massage Chairs 2023?

Selecting the ideal massage chair in 2023 involves a thoughtful consideration of several key factors to ensure a personalized and therapeutic experience. Begin by determining your specific needs and preferences, as massage chairs come equipped with a variety of features designed to target different areas of the body and provide diverse massage techniques.

Firstly, assess the massage chair’s mechanism and technology. Opt for chairs with advanced roller systems and airbag technology, as these features replicate the hands-on techniques of professional massage therapists. Additionally, consider the range of massage styles offered, such as Shiatsu, Swedish, and deep tissue massage, to cater to your individual preferences and therapeutic requirements.

Focus on the chair’s ergonomic design and adjustability. Look for models with customizable settings for intensity, speed, and pressure, allowing you to tailor the massage to your liking. A chair with body scanning technology is also beneficial, as it adapts the massage to your specific body shape and size, ensuring a more precise and effective treatment.

Consider the additional features that enhance your overall relaxation experience. Zero-gravity positioning, heat therapy, and foot rollers are notable elements that contribute to a comprehensive and immersive massage session. Zero-gravity positioning, in particular, helps distribute body weight evenly, reducing pressure on the spine and enhancing the massage’s effectiveness.

Evaluate the durability and build quality of the massage chair. Choose reputable brands known for their reliability and longevity. Read customer reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the chair’s performance and durability over time.

Lastly, take into account the space available in your home. Some massage chairs have space-saving designs or are more compact, making them suitable for smaller living spaces.

In conclusion, the selection of a massage chair in 2023 should be a well-informed decision based on your specific needs, technological preferences, ergonomic considerations, additional features, and the chair’s overall build quality. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose a massage chair that aligns with your preferences and provides a rejuvenating and therapeutic experience.

Final Conclusion on Massage Chairs For Back Pain Relief

It’s certainly difficult to narrow down the best massage chair, especially with the variety of choices and specialties they offer. However, I find that Luraco i7 Plus is the best chair for me. It suits my needs specifically and delivers great results with each session. You could say it’s like I have a massage therapist at home.

But I understand it isn’t for everyone. There are plenty of other options on the market for you.

For example, if you’re looking for a space-efficient massage recliner, the Human Touch Super Novo is the best choice for you.

You’ll love the front-sliding mechanism that allows you to put it flush to the wall without any problems reaching its fully reclined position. You’ll love the intense Massage it can deliver that is great for sciatica.

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The Kahuna LM6800, on the other hand, is a great zero-gravity choice for anyone who is shopping on a budget. It’s relatively affordable and comes with great features that you can find on higher-end chairs. Not to mention, Kahuna’s customer service is also very eager to please.

That said, before you choose a model based on my evaluation, make sure you remember a few things:

• Choose comfort above all else. A great chair with advanced features will do you no good if it doesn’t fit you well. There are models that cater to specific heights and weights, so make sure you consider how well your chair will fit you and other users.
• Consider your budget. You shouldn’t hesitate to stick to your budget. Take a moment to think about your choices. Do you really need the extra cup holders? The high-quality surround sound? If you can live without it, you probably don’t need it. After all, your priority is reducing your back pain.

Summary: The Luraco iRobotics Plus is my top pick. It’s a great purchase if you’re willing to splurge on a truly ergonomic and relaxing massage recliner. You’ll love the advanced technology on this medical massage chair that maximizes the benefits of a full-body massage in the comfort of your home. But if you’re looking for something else, I’m confident you can find the perfect model in this list to fit your needs. If you don’t, at least you know what to look for.