Low back pain is one of the most common chronic pain complaints. It's also a leading cause of disability in the United States, and a common reason people call off of work. If you know someone who struggles with chronic low back pain either periodically, or constantly, here are 40+ intentional gift ideas to let them know you care.
But first, a couple of gift giving tips to help you choose the right gift. Budget is obviously a factor for most people, but you may also want to consider who you are buying for and how they feel most loved.
Gary Chapman proposed in his book "The Five Love Languages" that we don't all give and receive love in the same way. Some people love receiving tangible gifts, while others prefer acts of service (like helping with the dishes), or words of affirmation. Others highly value physical touch or simply spending quality time together. Knowing the person you are giving a gift to can help you choose the best option. Gifts don't have to cost a lot to make someone feel loved. They just have to match the way that person likes to be cared for and show that you were intentionally thinking of them.
Physical Gift Categories:
Service Gift Categories
Thinking Outside the Box
Physical Gifts
If sitting is a problem and aggravates their back pain:
1.) Heated seats: Did you know you can buy heated seat covers for cars, and even stadium seats? This can help make it easier for people with low back pain to participate in life. You may not realize it, but they sometimes miss their child's football game because the back pain is just too much. They might be avoiding driving to take a vacation because by the time they get there, they'll be in so much pain that it wasn't worth it.
2.) Lumbar roll: It's amazing how much posture matters. Keeping the spine in good alignment can make all the difference. Some people with low back pain have weaker core muscles that have a hard time stabilizing their spine in good posture. This can happen for a variety of reasons, from abdominal surgeries that make incisions through the muscles, to pregnancies, which stretch them out, or plain old lack of exercise. Physical therapists often recommend lumbar rolls in the early phases of physical therapy to help make patients more comfortable while they work on their core strength.
3.) Exercise ball chair: Do they have back pain because of bad posture? Sometimes sitting on a ball can help. It's more cost effective than buying a fancy office chair, and it encourages active sitting to help strengthen the core muscles to better support your spine. If you are on the petite side, you may choose to forgo the fancy chair base and just opt for a ball with a ring on the floor.
If they know their posture is a problem:
4.) Kinesio tape: This can help improve blood flow and encourage good posture. Keep in mind who you are buying for; some versions are specifically designed for people with sensitive skin and others are not. This can also take another person to apply the tape, and a little bit of skill to know how to do it. It may be worth consulting a physical therapist, or doing some research online about how to best use the tape.
5.) Upright GO posture trainer: This is more for the techy person on your list. Instead of a brace that your muscles become dependent on for support, this device will vibrate when the wearer starts to drift into poor posture to remind them to correct. It can be worn either with an adhesive pad, or attached to a necklace.
6.) Even Up shoe lift: If their back pain started because they have to use a walking boot, it may be making one of their legs longer than the other. Or if they are just uneven, you may want a heel lift that goes right in their shoe.
For the active person that wants to keep moving:
7.) Infrared light is another option to help manage inflammation associated with chronic pain. This infrared light wrap is multifunctional; it provides infrared light, heat, and vibration functions. It also has a power bank option sold separately so they can wear it around while they're active throughout the day.
8.) TENS Unit: These are wearable devices that provide low grade electrical impulses to help distract the nerves from feeling the back pain. While you can buy them online, you should be aware that there are some precautions for using them. Make sure to read the instruction booklet that comes with your device.
9.) Recumbent bike: people who do regular aerobic exercise report improved back pain. A recumbent bike can keep the back supported while a person is exercising, making it more comfortable to do so. Ideally, the seatback will have some curvature for lumbar support. Don't want to buy one new? You can often find used exercise equipment online or at Goodwill, especially in January through March. People often put it up for sale after giving up on New Year's resolutions.
10.) Back braces and SI stabilizer belts. This may or may not be the right option. Check out To Brace or Not To Brace for more on when braces are a good idea.
More options for the person who likes to self treat and wants a break from the pain:
11.) Back knobber: This is for the people who love deep tissue, trigger point massage. The back knobber lets you apply pressure to your own knots.
12.) Cupping set: If you don't mind looking a little colorful, (or you enjoy making up stories for your kids about how you were attacked by an octopus) some people love cupping. The idea is to improve blood flow to an area by applying vacuum pressure to the skin. There are many different kinds of cups, some are hard plastic, others silicone, some that are hand pumped and others that are machine/automatic pumped. Some newer models even have infrared light and heat therapy options.
13.) A percussor: These vibration guns are also called massage guns. Research shows that some frequencies of vibrations can help reduce pain signals, and can help reduce muscle tone/spasms. Ideally, the device will have a variable frequency control. They come with a variety of different attachment heads.
14.) Wall attachment for the percussor: Can't reach to apply the gun to your own back? Don't have a family member or friend to do it for you? No problem, try one of these mounts that can attach it to a wall.
15.) Anti-inflammatory cook books: They say you are what you eat. For people with chronic pain, food can absolutely be a form of medicine. Some people with back pain benefit from figuring out if they have food sensitivities that trigger increased inflammation.
Ideas to help with daily tasks that are painful:
16.) Cleaning assisting devices: Think about their least favorite chores. Would they want a robot mop/vacuum, a self cleaning toilet bowl, a shower sprayer that sprays cleaner at the push of a button, or an electronic handheld scrubber? Maybe a self cleaning kitty litter box? Or are they an outdoor lover who would want a garden scoot cart?
17.) A reacher: Low back pain can make simple tasks like picking up the sock that fell on the floor seem daunting. Reachers can allow you to pick something light up without having to bend over.
18.) A bidet: If bending and twisting hurt, you can venture a guess that wiping after they do their business does too. While the idea of a bidet is strange to some, it can save you lots of money on toilet paper, and some models are even self-cleaning. Other features to look for are temperature-controlled water sprayers, and ease of installation.
For the person who can't sleep:
18.) Wedge pillows for sleeping: Some people with back pain feel better with their back in a flexed position. If you're a back sleeper, this can be frustrating. A wedge pillow can either go under your knees to bend your hips comfortably, or under your back to prop your trunk up.
19.) Body pillows: This can help keep your hips in neutral alignment for side sleepers.
20.) Sleep hygiene tools: You wash you hands to have good hygiene and protect yourself from germs, but have you ever thought about good hygiene for your sleep? There are lots of things that can keep us from sleeping well. Consider setting up your sleep environment for success with a white noise machine, calming scent essential oil diffuser, or blackout curtains.
For the readers:
21.) For the avid reader: "Everyone Has Back Pain" or "Fix your own back"
22.) Self care journals: When you're hurting all the time, even doing simple daily tasks can take a lot of effort. If the person on your list is someone who likes checking things off on a list, a self care tracking journal might do the trick. This is a gift that keeps on giving by encouraging them to be healthy on a day to day basis. If faith is important to them, or they have another special interest, try and find a combination journal.
23.) Symptom tracker journals: Is the back pain part of a bigger puzzle? Do they have back pain, but also have gastrointestinal issues like stomach or bowel problems? Is the back pain in part because of their job tasks? Do they know what makes it flare? If not, a symptom tracking journal might help them unravel the mystery and find patterns to help avoid back pain flares in the future. If they aren't a pen and paper kind of person, there are a variety of apps available you could gift them which track symptoms as well.
24.) Kindle Paperwhite: This allows them to get books online without having to go out. They can also get them from the library without going there in person. Most libraries work with an online lending app as long as you have a library card.
A few odds and ends:
25.) Healthy snack baskets are always nice; some days you don't feel like bending over the stove to cook or stooping down to look in the cabinets if your back is hurting.
26.) Essential oils diffusers: There is growing evidence for aroma therapy in managing chronic pain. You can research which scents are best for their symptoms, or simply get them a variety starter pack.
27.) Encouraging jewelry: Some people like reminders to encourage them to keep going.
28.) Sassy shirts: Others prefer to deal with the unpleasant things in life with laughter and sarcasm.
29.) A letter of encouragement: In a world full of criticism and negativity, sometimes some heartfelt appreciation is more important than a physical gift. People whose ability to do things is limited by back pain sometimes need reminding that you value them for more than just the things they can physically do.
Service Gifts
Pain management:
30.) A Porcupine Party: Yes, we're biased! Many of our patients find that dry needling is helpful in managing their back pain. If they've never tried needling before (or already know they like it), we'd love to be a part of delivering your holiday gift. Book Here
31.) A massage: A vacation from your pain is important for your mental health. While one massage won't cure low back pain, a little bit of a break is a valuable thing.
32.) A float tank spa experience: For the person who is constantly busy and overrun, an hour of time to float and relax in a personal saltwater float tank may be just the thing to help them decompress.
Active experiences:
33.) Aquatic exercise membership: Sometimes exercising in a warm therapy pool is more comfortable. Look into local aquatic arthritis classes, and water aerobics groups. As a pro-tip, the temperature of the water makes a difference. Most people with chronic pain tend to have preferences. Does the person you're shopping for prefer an ice pack or a heating pad? If they like the heat, look for a warmer therapy pool.
34.) Art therapy course/class: This can especially be valuable for people whose back pain is disabling. When you are unable to work and do daily tasks, it can create an identity crisis. In the United States, we live in a culture that defines you by what you do. If you can't work, being able to make something, can give you a sense of productivity and fulfillment that is invaluable. Who knows, you might start them on a new hobby that can be a side business for them down the road.
35.) Anti-inflammatory cooking classes
Help with daily tasks:
36.) I've got your back card & housework help coupons: These are for the dad joke lovers! If you are able bodied and willing to help, (and perhaps don't have a big budget) this might be just the thing.
37.) Babysitting: Watching kids, especially young ones when your back is hurting, can be challenging. Little ones want to be picked up and held. They ask to be sat on the floor and played with. A few hours of childcare help is a precious thing for tired parents with sore backs.
38.) Housekeeping services: When you struggle with back pain, it can make doing the deep cleaning tasks hard. For some people with back pain, it drives them crazy that they can't get down and scrub their floors. Paying for a one-time professional cleaning service to do the deep cleaning may be a much-appreciated gift. Just make sure they know that you're giving it to them because you recognize the struggle and that it's hard for them to do it. You don't want to make them feel like you think they're a lazy slob.
39.) Offering to drive them places: Some people with back pain have a hard time being in the same position in a car to drive for long periods of time.
40.) Grocery delivery service subscription: If they will bring it in the house, it's even better. The grocery store involves lots of bending and lifting. If you can have the groceries brought to them, it can ease the burden of shopping.
41.) Noom subscription/meal plan subscription box: If they're interested in losing weight, apps like Noom combine psychology advice and nutritional guidance. Or if they're someone who just needs structure and to have fewer decisions in life, a meal plan subscription box may be the way to go. You can even consider shopping local. Some health food restaurants do meal prep services.
Thinking Outside the Box Gifts
Tummy issues are common with low back pain. If the person you know with back pain also has IBS, constipation problems, and food sensitivities, this gift guide (coming soon) may have more ideas for you.
Pelvic health gifts: Another thing that is often not discussed is that low back pain is more strongly correlated with urinary incontinence than it is with obesity. The pelvis is the foundation for your back, after all. Think of it this way, you can't fix the Leaning Tower of Pisa by simply moving the top floor over. It's a foundation problem at its core. Due to the more personal nature of the subject, however, doctors are far more comfortable telling someone to lose weight than asking them about their urinary incontinence. If you have the kind of relationship with the person you know with low back pain to give them more personal gifts, check out our gift guide for pelvic health (coming soon) to help improve comfort during sex, and improve bowel/bladder health.
Allergy management gifts: Did you know that there is actually a stronger correlation between low back pain and allergies than there is between low back pain and obesity? Because the way we breathe affects our core abdominal muscles, it can directly impact how our muscles hold and support our spines. If the person you know who struggles with low back pain has a nasally voice or lives on allergy medication, check out our allergy gift guide (coming soon). It may actually help their back.
Hopefully this gives you some fresh ideas for the people on your shopping list. We encourage you to shop around and compare your options to get the best prices. As always, keep in mind that this post is for inspiration and educational purposes only. It is not a replacement for individual medical advice. Keep in mind that not all back pain is the same, and the recommendations above may not be right for every person with back pain. If you would like a personal evaluation to determine which strategies are best for your specific back pain, call our office or click Book Online to request an appointment.
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