Muscle stimulators are an effective drug-free pain relief device that can also be used for back pain. They are tested for safety and ability to block the pain signal to your brain while increasing natural endorphins (a natural pain reliever).
Here are the best muscle stimulators for back pain you can buy in 2024:
- Durable (TENS Muscle Stimulator): AUVON Rechargeable TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator
- Best For Instant Pain Relief (TENS Muscle Stimulator): TENS 7000
- Best For Larger Coverage (TENS Muscle Stimulator): Etekcity ETU-134
- Long Battery Life (TENS EMS Muscle Stimulator): Belifu SM9126
- Most Powerful (TENS EMS Muscle Stimulator): AUVON 4 Outputs TENS Unit EMS Muscle Stimulator
- Easy To Read & Use (TENS EMS Muscle Stimulator): TechCare Massager 03
| 6 Best Muscle Stimulators For Back Pain | ||
|---|---|---|
Durable | AUVON Rechargeable TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator
| |
Best For Instant Pain Relief | TENS 7000
| |
Best For Larger Coverage | Etekcity ETU-134
| |
Long Battery Life | Belifu SM9126
| |
Most Powerful | AUVON 4 Outputs TENS Unit EMS Muscle Stimulator
| |
Easy To Read & Use | TechCare Massager 03
| |
Durable: AUVON Rechargeable TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator
- Extremely durable
- Versatile - 24 pre-programmed massage modes & 20 intensity levels
- Easy to know the remaining battery power - a power indicator
- The cords get tangled easily
- The electrode pads could be more adhesive
In our durability tests, the AUVON Rechargeable TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator lasts much longer than other contenders.
It's also compact, easy to use, and lightweight that can provide back pain relief anywhere, anytime.
This muscle stimulator has 8 self-adhesive electrode pads with 24 pre-programmed massage modes and 20 intensity levels to give you the perfect massage experience.
Plus, there is an adjustable timer function ranging up to 60 minutes.
The muscle stimulator also features a rechargeable lithium battery with up to 10-hour runtime and a power indicator.
| AUVON Rechargeable TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator Specifications | |
|---|---|
Mode | 24 |
Intensity Levels | 20 |
Highlight Features | Extremely durable 24 pre-programmed massage modes & 20 intensity levels a power indicator |
Looking for a durable TENS muscle stimulator? Try the AUVON Rechargeable TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator
Best For Instant Pain Relief: TENS 7000
- Able to relieve back pain instantly - 5 instant muscle pain relief modes
- Offer targeted pain relief - a dual channel
- Wish there were more massage mods
The TENS 7000 works well on back pain and relieves aching pain very quickly thanks to the 5 instant muscle pain relief modes with adjustable pulse amplitude ranges from 0-100mA.
The device comes with a dual channel that allows you to target specific areas for pain relief.
Like our other picks, this muscle stimulator features an adjustable timer, and after a certain time period within a setup, the device will automatically shut off, which is convenient.
| TENS 7000 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Mode | 5 |
Intensity Levels | from 0-100mA in 10mA increments |
Pulse Duration | 60 minutes |
Pulse Rate | 120 Hz |
Highlight Features | 5 instant muscle pain relief modes a dual channel |
If you are on the hunt for a reliable TENS muscle stimulator with instant pain relief, pick the TENS 7000
Best For Larger Coverage: Etekcity ETU-134
- Offer larger coverage – large and highly-adhesive electrode pads
- Easy to read - large LCD display
- No belt clip
Coming with 8 highly-adhesive electrode pads with up to 30 use times each, the Etekcity ETU-134 offers larger coverage than other counterparts in the category, making it one of our favorites.
It also offers 4 output channels, 15 massage modes, and 20 intensity levels, so you can easily customize your treatment according to your specific needs.
The large LCD display is another great feature, making it easy to see your current settings and intensity level, so you can always get the perfect massage.
| Etekcity ETU-134 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Mode | 15 |
Intensity Levels | 20 |
Highlight Features | large and highly-adhesive electrode pads large LCD display |
Don't let pain keep you down! The Etekcity ETU-134 is a powerful TENS muscle stimulator that offers larger coverage.
Long Battery Life: Belifu SM9126
- Offer the longest battery life, up to 20 hours
- Travel-friendly – including a dust-proof drawstring storage bag
- Lack of intuitive use
With 24 modes and 20 intensity levels plus a timer, the Belifu SM9126 is one of the most multifunctional TENS EMS muscle stimulators we tested.
But what surprised us the most was the incredibly long battery life, up to 20 hours of continuous use. So, you can travel with it without having to carry a charging port.
As a great plus, this device comes with a dust-proof drawstring storage bag and has a portable size.
| Belifu SM9126 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Mode | 24 |
Intensity Levels | 20 |
Highlight Features | Offer the longest battery life, up to 20 hours including a dust-proof drawstring storage bag |
The Belifu SM9126 offers the longest battery life, up to 20 hours, and includes a storage bag, making it travel-friendly.
Most Powerful: AUVON 4 Outputs TENS Unit EMS Muscle Stimulator
- Offer a longer massage experience – an adjustable timer, from 10 up to 90 minutes
- Great value – 45-time reusable electrode pads
- Vague instructions
Introducing the AUVON 4 Outputs TENS Unit EMS Muscle Stimulator, a hyper-powerful and versatile device that provides both TENS and EMS therapy in one unit.
It has a separate A/B channel with different massage modes and pulse amplitude levels, so you can customize your therapy to your specific needs.
Coming with 10 electrode pads, this device provides targeted pain relief for more body parts at the same time. Better yet, these electrode pads are pre-gelled and reusable up to 45 times.
Another notable feature is the adjustable timer, from 10 up to 90 minutes.
| AUVON 4 Outputs TENS Unit EMS Muscle Stimulator Specifications | |
|---|---|
Mode | 24 |
Intensity Levels | 20 |
Pulse Duration | 90 minutes |
Highlight Features | an adjustable timer, from 10 up to 90 minutes 45-time reusable electrode pads |
The AUVON 4 Outputs TENS Unit EMS Muscle Stimulator is the most powerful in its field.
Easy To Read & Use: TechCare Massager 03
- Easy to read and use - a bright and self-explanatory touchscreen controller
- Reliable - used by physical therapists and prescribed doctors for the last 40 years
- A bit pricey
The TechCare Massager 03 is particularly beloved by a lot of senior users because it's very easy to read and use.
It's crafted with the newest touchscreen controller that features an eye-comfortable brightness level and great sensitivity. In addition, the screen itself is very self-explanatory.
The included electrodes are also large and easy to use while the rechargeable lithium battery provides up to 20 hours of continuous use.
The TechCare Massager 03 is also a reliable muscle stimulator used by physical therapists and prescribed doctors for the last 40 years.
| TechCare Massager 03 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Mode | 24 |
Intensity Levels | 20 |
Highlight Features | a bright and self-explanatory touchscreen controller |
Built with a bright and self-explanatory touchscreen controller, the TechCare Massager 03 is very easy to read and use.
How To Choose The Best Muscle Stimulator For Back Pain?
Types Of Muscle Stimulators
There are two main types of electrical muscle stimulators: TENS and EMS.
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) units generate low-voltage electrical current that helps to relieve pain by stimulating the nerves.
EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) units deliver higher intensity electrical current that can help to improve muscle strength and coordination.
So, which is right for you?
If you are looking for pain relief, a TENS unit may be a good choice.
If you are looking to improve muscle strength or coordination, an EMS unit may be a better choice.
Massage Modes
There are many different types of massagers on the market, each with its own set of features. When it comes to choosing the best muscle stimulator for back pain, one of the most important factors to consider is the number of massage modes.
The number of massage modes reflects the versatility of the device.
A muscle stimulator with more massage modes will be able to provide a greater variety of massages, which can be tailored to your specific needs.
If you have chronic back pain, for example, you may want a device with multiple modes that can provide both deep tissue and light massages.
When comparing devices, be sure to look at the number of massage modes as well as the type of massage each device offers. This will help you make an informed decision about which muscle stimulator is right for you.
Intensity Levels
There are different types of TENS units on the market and they range in intensity.
The higher the voltage, the more intense the stimulation will be.
The choice of intensity level is a critical factor. It should be high enough to produce an effective muscle contraction, but low enough to avoid causing tissue damage.
Researchers have found that electrical stimulation with an intensity of 50-80% of the maximum tolerated level is most effective for pain relief.
Pulse Duration
Pulse duration is the length of time that the electrical impulse is applied to the muscle. The pulse duration can be short, medium, or long.
Each person's response to electrical stimulation is different, so it is important to experiment with different pulse durations to find what works best for you.
Short pulse duration stimulations are typically used for pain relief.
The electrical impulse is applied for a very brief period of time, usually less than one second. It can help to block pain signals from reaching the brain.
Medium pulse duration stimulations are used to help improve muscle function.
The electrical impulse is applied for a longer period of time, usually between one and five seconds, which can help to increase blood flow to the muscles and help to stimulate muscle contraction.
Long pulse duration stimulations are used to help build muscle strength.
The electrical impulse is applied for a prolonged period of time, usually greater than five seconds. This type of stimulation can help to increase muscle protein synthesis and help to build new muscle tissue.
Which Brands Make The Best Muscle Stimulator For Back Pain?
AUVON
AUVON's mission is to provide products and solutions that help improve people's lives.
AUVON is dedicated to developing pain-relief products based on scientific medical knowledge, extensive user feedback, and targeted market studies.
So, whether you're recovering from surgery or looking for a simple way to treat chronic pain, they've got you covered.
Vesync
Vesync Co., Ltd. is a market player for small home appliances in the United States. Established in 2012 as Etekcity, their brand was soon accompanied by Cosori and Levoit. They currently offer a range of products across 8 countries and have offices in North America, Europe, and Asia.
FAQs
Do muscle stimulators work for back pain?
Yes, they do. Muscle stimulators can help relieve back pain, especially after-surgery continuous back pain. The way it works is to block nerve transmission at the spinal cord.
What does dual channel mean on a TENS unit?
Dual channel on a TENS unit means you’ve got separate intensity controls and you can use the muscle stimulator with 2 or 4 electrode pads.
When should you not use a TENS unit?
You should not use a TENS unit:
- When you have a history of cancer or undiagnosed pain in the last five years
- On the body areas where there’s suspected or known cancer.
How long should you leave a TENS unit on your back?
You can leave a TENS unit on your back for as long as you like. Most TENS muscle stimulators provide relief for 30-90 minutes, but a few models can do up to 4 hours.
How often can you use a TENS unit on your back?
There’s no limit on the use times with a TENS unit. It depends on your needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Muscle stimulators are like a life-saver for those who seek a way to ease their back pain. With so many different types of muscle stimulators on the market, it's important to do your research before choosing one. We hope this review list helped you find the best muscle stimulator for back pain relief. Thanks for reading!
Eugene WilliamsHi, my name is Eugene, the ultimate home enthusiast! I write buying guides and ideas on how to create a warm and welcoming home. Join me on my journey to make everyday in your house a staycation in the comfort of your own space!
