Back pain — from strains and hernias to the dreaded sciatica pain — can be truly heinous. According to Harvard Health, up to 40% of people in the United States may endure this type of discomfort. It’s a startlingly large number.
Depending on the severity, sciatica can be debilitating and deeply affect your quality of life. Worst of all, it can be difficult to find effective relief. However, reviewers are raving about one tool that can help immensely with all manner of back and body pain: the GoFit muscle hook massager, which is available in two sizes depending on where you shop.
This hook was made to provide a deep tissue massage in even the hardest-to-reach spots. Its rounded knobs target sore, painful trigger points and mimic the pressure of a massage therapist’s hands. The curved silhouette makes it possible to reach even the tightest muscles on every part of your body.
Dr. Elizabeth Dulaney-Cripe, board-certified orthopedic surgeon, integrative medicine physician and founder of Valivera Health, explained that correctly applied pressure can allow muscles to release tension and pain, and that the hook may allow users to access “reach those spots on your back or hip that you otherwise may not be able to reach with the right type of pressure.” (Dulaney-Cripe did not endorse this product.) “Improving blood flow to those areas and relieving any trigger points can be very beneficial in pain relief,” she noted.
Reviewers are saying it can help relieve all kinds of back and body pain, but it could be uniquely beneficial for those who have sciatica pain.
In previous HuffPost coverage, experts noted that this specific discomfort is generally the result of the sciatic nerve (which runs through the lower back) being pinched or irritated, causing a deep, throbbing pain that often radiates all the way down the butt and legs. As if that weren’t enough, this pain is at times also accompanied by numbness or tingling. The good news is that it’s nearly always treatable, and items like this hook can help, along with physical therapy and targeted exercises, which can play a part in recovery.
The hook features unique, ergonomic handles that can help provide the leverage you need to access the affected area without twisting or turning into uncomfortable positions (and risking further injury). This makes it easy to apply just the right amount of pressure required without losing your grip.
The hook itself is made to be durable and strong, making it a great long-term investment. It even comes with a training manual to give you usage tips, so you can try it out in ways you never thought possible.
Both the full-size and mini hook are compact, portable and easy to tuck away for discreet storage. One reviewer called it a “life-saving product,” which tells us all we need to know about its effectiveness at combating the kind of pain that can really affect your day-to-day life. Take a look at what people who have purchased and tried this hook have to say about it before snagging one for yourself. You never know when it’ll come in handy.
Promising reviews:
“This tool is a life saver if you have muscle issue and just need to release! I’ve owned a few and have used for many years! I don’t leave home without it!” — Nikole
“Very versatile. I am able to hit the knots in my own back! Really easy to use on back, feet, shins, shoulders and neck area. You control the pressure. I like it better than the straight bars with rollers.” — Fabian
“This is a life saving product. This is the second one I own. I gifted the other to a friend who appreciates it as well. Gets perfectly into that nagging scapular tension very well.” — DC
“I have four herniated disc’s that have to be operated on and this is the only thing that can actually give me relief besides going To get a massage or to chiropractor!” — Meagan
“This is an amazing physical therapy tool or use on neck, upper back, and shoulders. It’s possible to release those congested muscle groups that you can’t reach. It’s designed so you can apply as much or as little pressure as is needed. Directions included say you can use it on other parts, but I’ve only used it for upper body work.” — KB
“As a certified Thai massage therapist I’ve tried a dozen of different massage hooks and this one is the best. Firm, well designed, made in the USA and feels superior in every way - I love it.” — Jim
“Easy to use. Great to hit those hard to reach spots to release some tension.” — Julie
“This goofy looking resin contraption is so amazing. Looks are deceiving, but the power is amazing. You control the pressure and it really works the muscle and spasm. — Jerri
“I like the relief I get immediately after massaging any area on my body that hurt.” — Tim
“I have chronic back pain, and this has been more helpful than my massage gun ever has been.” — Damian
Take a look at a few other pain relief tools from previous HuffPost coverage that are eligible for purchase via your FSA funds .
A heat and compression hand massager
From carpal tunnel to arthritis, there are tons of conditions a heated hand and wrist massager can come in handy (this is also a great gift idea, if you know someone who struggles with hand and wrist pain). This Bob and Brad massager offers 360-degree heating and three-section air compression for a gentle massage to reduce pain. The massager has three modes and intensity levels, so you can set it to your specifications, and it works on a 15-minute timer with automatic shutoff. The massager is rechargeable with USB-C.
Promising review: "I've had arthrits in my hands for the past few years. Acupunture was the main escape but after moving to Nebraska that procedure done properly is hard to find. After about two weeks of non stop pain and stiffness in my hand and wrist I ordered one of these, with lots of sceptism, as a last resort. I used it twice the first evening it was recieved and the next morning had very little pain in my fingers and could actually clench a full fist without pain. Helped my fingers a lot more then my wrist, but didd give my wrist some relief. Very glad with the purchase !" — scotty000
A foam roller spine stretcher that doubles as a massager
To really get the most bang for your FSA buck, you can buy a multifunctional product like this foam roller wheel that can be used on your back as a spine stretcher or as a massage tool on your legs, neck, shoulders and elsewhere. The roller has a built-in spinal channel to keep your spine in alignment as you're using it, and it can support up to 500 pounds. If your muscles are giving you grief, this can help relieve that pressure. Choose between a single or multipacks, as well as different sizes depending on your needs.
A memory foam acupressure mat and pillow set
You can use this acupressure set to target pressure points on your body using both the mat and included pillow. While the mat is technically designed for lying down on to help your back, reviewers also mention using it on sore feet, hips, shoulders and more. The set comes in a bag with a carrying handle so you can take it on the go, too.