
While consumerism has its downsides, the access we have today to a plethora of products is certainly beneficial. Advances in science, technology and product development, coupled with increasing social awareness, have led to wellness being a growing niche. For those of us living with chronic pain, the ever-expanding array of brands and tools designed for the purpose of pain relief and management is fantastic.
Sadly, many people, like myself, find that only prescription medications touch their pain in any meaningful way, and only barely at that. If thatās the case for you, such products for purchase might best be seen as tools in your pain management toolbox to help keep you a bit more functional and to make the experience just a little more bearable.
But how do you know what brands to trust and what products to try? This is where user experience and reviews can come in handy. Some of the products here I have tried previously, some I still use, and others Iāve not used but have seen positive reviews for online.
We all have unique needs and everyone will respond differently to most things in life, so you never quite know how youāll get on with something unless or until you try it. This post just serves to make suggestions for products you may wish to consider for yourself or a loved one to help with managing pain.
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1. CBD Oils, Muscle Rubs & Gummies
The CBD market is quickly booming in recent years. Instead of the standard humdrum oil that tastes pretty nasty, you can now get everything from flavoured oil and muscle rubs, to skincare products and tasty gummies.
Some people find CBD as a supplement benefits their pain directly, while some may find it helps indirectly, such as with anxiety or problematic sleep. It doesnāt work for everyone, but if youāre interested in giving it a go then start low and slow and with a quality product.
Iāve previously used and would recommend the following :
Reakiro CBD – I especially love their fantastic warming muscle rub, but they have a range of quality products to browse
Related Reading : Reakiro CBD Review

Orange County CBD – a colourful catalogue of exciting products, including a muscle & joint rub and some delicious gummies
See my full Orange County CBD Review here.
You can get 10% off Orange County CBD using this link with the code CAZHOMER

Another well-reviewed brand :
CBDiablo – Iāve featured a post from CBDiablo previously where the brandās co-founder wrote about how new users can navigate the chaotic world of CBD. This is a small local brand in the UK full of passion for those they can help with their products.
2. Electric Heat Pad
There are various heat pads on the market at different price points. Itās always worth taking a look through the reviews first to check when they were left, whether they appear genuine, and what exactly people are saying alongside their star rating.
I personally use the Dreamland Intelliheat pad. It measures approx 40x35cm so itās not massive, but it covers the areas I use it on quite well, whether itās my upper back/shoulders, hips or tummy. It plugs into the mains so you donāt need to worry about the product degrading in the microwave or going cold after a few minutes. It has six heat settings and you can really feel the heat come through, while the soft touch exterior is soft against your clothing or skin. It comes with a 3 year manufacturer warranty for peace of mind.
I remember another blogger once mentioning the Sweet Dreams heat pad, which also features 6 heat settings but is a little larger at 50x38cm.
3. Voltarol
This is a fairly classic rub in the UK. I tend to buy Voltarol on Amazon as itās often a little cheaper. There are different versions in the range, including a specific joint rub, but the Voltarol 3 for Back and Muscle Pain Relief is standard to suit most requirements.
This 1.6% gel offers targeted relief for pain, soothing and easing joints and muscles. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) diclofenac works by reducing inflammation, with Emulgel technology designed to penetrate deeply for effective relief. It blocks the production of some of the chemicals in the body that can cause inflammation, tenderness and pain, so itās also great for the likes of strains, sprains and bruises. By reducing inflammation, it might also help to keep you a little more mobile.
Iād say this is a good all-rounder. My parents use it for rheumatoid arthritis. I use it on achey joints, including my hands, as well as other areas for nerve damage, knotted muscles and fibromyalgia.
Find Voltarol pain gel here.
4. To Better Days Patches
- Unfortunately these products are no longer available
To Better Days recently released their innovative pain patches, which look rather like very thin plasters without the padding. They make use of the combined effects of vitamin D and Dextrose to provide safer, non-medicinal targeted relief.
I love that these are totally fuss-free and mess-free, making them very convenient. Theyāre designed to last and be effective on skin for at least 24 hrs, so you can pop them on, forget about them and go about your day.
The patches come in two different sizes so you can choose what would best suit your typical needs. They also sell a trial pack, which is a cost-effective way of trying the product in both sizes to see how you find it and whether it works for you.
Take a look at the To Better Days patches here.

5. Eye Mask Ice Pack
Nothing touches my migraines apart from Sumatriptan, but I always use an icy mask when I can because it makes dealing with them just that little bit less horrendous.
I personally use the Therapearl eye mask. This is a two-in-one product because you can freeze it or put it in the microwave, the latter of which is good for Sjogrens/dry eyes, blocked tear ducts, blepharitis and so on.
The brand did update their eye masks in the last few years to make them stronger on the outer edges but I still donāt think theyāre quite as strong as they could be to avoid breaks in the seams. As such, I wouldnāt expect them to last forever and Iād be careful using them in the microwave and only heat them as per instructions.
That aside, I love them. I always have two in the freezer for a bit of a āwash and wearā affair. Migraines donāt wait around for your warmed up ice pack to re-freeze. I couldnāt be without these because ice on your peepers when one feels like itās going to explode is blissful.
You can find the Therapearl heat/ice eye mask on Amazon.
Related post : 7 Headache & Migraine Helpers
6. Massage Gun
Useful for fitness fans as well as chronic pain sufferers, massage guns are becoming increasingly popular. Percussive therapy can benefit not just muscle and tissue, but your circulation and lymph drainage, too.
I regularly use the Actigun massager, previously gifted for a review on InvisiblyMe.
Itās quick and simple to use, it takes up far less space than typical bulky massagers, and itās cordless, running on a long-lasting rechargeable battery to give you freedom of movement to use it easily at home or elsewhere.

Related Reading : Actigun Massager Gun Review
7. Acupressure Mat
This is actually something Iām thinking of trying out when I noticed Boots are currently selling a product called the Bed Of Nails. Made from non-toxic plastic ānailsā, this product provides the benefits acupressure wherever you need it in the comfort of your own home.
Check out the Bed Of Nails mat here and the Bed Of Nails pillow here at Boots UK

Some people find acupressure to be great for all types of pain, joint issues, sleep, anxiety, circulation, āheavy legsā and so on. From the reviews Iāve browsed, quality does seem to vary quite a bit between brands and they can take some getting used to. With many positive reviews after people have acclimated to their use, acupressure is an interesting alternative to consider adding to your chronic pain management toolbox.
The Bed Of Nails products come in black or pink and can be purchased as a mat, or as a pillow for smaller, more targeted areas. The mat is the larger of the two and is thus more expensive, but itās probably the option you need if you want to be able to lie on it on your front or back. You can also stand on it for pressure to your feet.
Always check the product information before buying or using such products as it states they shouldnāt be used in instances of haemophilia, skin disease or anticoagulants, and to speak to your doctor if youāre unsure.
What I also like about these is how you donāt really have to do anything. You just lie, sit or stand on it, relax, practice a little mindfulness or meditation if they take your fancy, and let the product do the work. Thereās nothing more to it. Simples.
Update – The Bed of Nails brand has kindly offered to collaborate on this, so if you’re interested in finding out what the acupressure mats and pillows are like then I’ll be sharing a review & a discount code in the near future. Watch this space!
Bed Of Nails mat & Bed Of Nails pillow also available at Amazon
Bed of Nails website – Use this link & the code BON15CAZ for 15% off (worldwide shipping)
Other brands do similar products, many of which you can find cheaper elsewhere, though you may get less in the way of quality as a result judging by some that Iāve seen. The better reviewed options include one from Base Yoga and sold on Amazon, which can be purchased as a mat or mat with pillow, available in four different colours.
Another example is the Lixada brand, also being sold on Amazon, which comes as a set with the acupressure mat and pillow along with two spiky massage balls, all for around Ā£22.
8. TENS Machine
There are numerous TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) devices on the market. They work by attaching pads (electrodes) to your skin through which small electrical impulses will be directed. These stimulate particular nerves to reduce pain signals going to the brain and spinal cord, which is hoped to relieve pain, lessen spasms, and relax muscles.
This sort of stimulation can also stimulate endorphin production, the so-called ānatural painkillerā of the body.
TENS machines can be used for various types of pain. For instance, neck pain, pelvic pain, sports injuries, knee pain, period pain, and arthritis, among others.
Devices vary in terms of settings and the number of pads included in the set. Examples include:
- The Auvon TENS device comes with different size pads for different body areas and 20 modes, getting a 4.5 star average from over 5,300 ratings.
- The Beurer EM49 TENS device comes with 70 training programmes, 2 channels and 4 electrodes, describing itself as a 3-in-1 product for pain relief, rehabilitation and massage. This gets an average 4.5 star review from over 9,300 ratings.
You can browse all Tens machines on Amazon here.
9. Tiger Balm
Tiger Balm red ointment is a well-known, traditional herbal remedy. Simply rub the balm on the affected area for warming and soothing relief of aches and pains. Thereās also a white version for migraines and a black version for shoulders, but it appears that the red is versatile enough for different uses. I know of individuals online with fibromyalgia who regularly use Tiger Balm red, as well as those with migraines and rheumatoid arthritis.
Itās a more natural product, so ingredients include the likes of camphor, clove oil, menthol and cajuput oil.
Take a look at the Tiger Balm red for pain relief.
10. Wedge Support Pillow
I recently reviewed the Byre bed wedge and I found it to be fantastic, not to mention versatile for different uses. If youāre often propped up in bed due to chronic illness or pain, then this will provide more stable support. If you struggle with the likes of indigestion or heartburn, or if you wake with back stiffness and pain after sleeping flat, then sleeping elevated might help. Itās also useful for elevating the feet and legs if you have issues with restless leg, lymph drainage or circulation.
If youāre in the UK, you can find the Byre bed wedge support pillow on Amazon here.
If youāre in the US or elsewhere in the world, you might be able to find similar products online. Make sure to check the measurements and reviews, and the way in which you can alter the productās format/shape to ensure it suits your requirements.
Related Reading : Byre folding bed wedge support pillow review

11. Knee Pillow
Youāll find a lot of different brands offering similar knee pillows online which vary in shape and whether they feature a leg strap. Youāll also find cheap ādealsā sites offering what look like pricier branded Legacy Contour pillows, which actually arenāt those pillows at all, so be careful where you buy from.
You can browse all knee pillows on Amazon here.
While not a standard knee pillow, I really like the mini Tempur memory foam travel pillow for use sleeping when youāre out and about (in my case, in the hospital), for your lower back on a chair or sofa, or for between your knees when sleeping or resting on your side. Itās expensive but mine has been going for years now and gets ample use due to its versatility. When using this for my back, I have a separate knee pillow that I use. Some people find two pillows preferable to keep space between the thighs and the ankles, but itās a personal choice.
The Amazon Basics knee pillow is a surprisingly good quality cheaper option if you want a firmer and slightly larger knee pillow.
I currently use the Contour Legacy Leg pillow. It brought tears to my eyes paying for this recently at the Ā£20 mark, but Iāve found a knee pillow to be essential for nerve damage that brings intense pain to my hips.
Such a product may be a good investment if itās even slightly beneficial. If youāre unsure whether a knee pillow is right for you, you could test out a regular cushion between your thighs/knees to give you a basic idea. Just keep in mind that a purpose-made knee pillow will be deeper, firmer and more likely to stay in place and help your bodyās alignment.
12. Copper Compression Gloves
Compression gloves are often marketed at those with achy joints, such as from rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia. Copper-infused gloves add another dimension of benefit thanks to anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.
I currently use Copper Clothing’s compression gloves, and my dad uses the fingerless gloves, which were previously gifted for review on InvisiblyMe. What I especially like about these is that they’re silky soft with gentle grips on the fingers and palm, making them more versatile for whatever I’m doing.

I particularly get issues with typing, which I do a lot of, so it’s great to have something non-invasive to help make things a little more comfortable.
Copper Clothing’s compression gloves are great quality and a good choice if you want to try out such gloves to see whether they can be helpful for your sore joints and achy hands.
You’ll also find a range of compression gloves on Amazon.
Related Reading : Copper Clothing Review

This is only a small selection of product suggestions. It’s always good to hear what others have found and share the recommendations around – Have you tried any of these, or do you have something you use for pain relief/management that you would add to the list?
Caz Ā ā„
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35 comments
I have a very similar post going live shortly so please don’t think I’ve copied you. I’ve been working on it for ages. I use the first Tens machine you mention and I’m about to purchase an accupressure mat. A friend recommended it to me.
I will assume that you’ve copied my ideas from start to finish, Jo ???? It does take a long time to get this sort of post together, doesn’t it? I’m really pleased to hear you use the Tens machine I’ve put here as I’ve not used it so I could only go by weighing up the reviews to see what was best to include. I’d love to hear how you found the acupressure mat. I was so curious when I spotted it at Boots and started looking around online. Bit pricey for me but then again if you can benefit from it then it’s well worth it. Looking forward to seeing your post! xx
The acupressure mat sounds like a cool idea.
I know, right? It’s rather out of my budget, especially as you don’t know how well you’ll get on with it, but eventually curiosity might get the better of me.
If you’re interested in a 13th option, I swear by bodyalign dot com/products/pain-patch – these are not medicated pain patches, they are frequency patches. It varies how long they will stay on – one friend, who has oily skin only manages to keep hers on 2-3 days… mine stays on a couple weeks. Odd as pain reduction vis vibration sounds, it works for me as well as the friends I’ve gifted with patches to try.
I’m absolutely open to new suggestions so thank you for sharing this! It’s helpful for others to look through the comments and see what others have found useful.
I’ve a look at the website you suggested – I’ve got to admit I’ve no idea what “frequency” patches are. They’ve spelled “frequencies” incorrectly on the product page as “frequiences” which really confused me, I thought it was a new thing I’d never heard of before! It says “natural” ingredients but they don’t say what those are, which isn’t great. However, it’s fab the patches can last for so long on you as that makes for better value for money, and it’s brilliant they can reduce your pain ????
Some of these things I’m familiar with and some I’m not. You do such wonderful things for those that are in need.
Have a fabulous day and week, Caz. ā„
That’s great – I hope this could introduce you to just a couple you’ve not come across before. Thank you for reading & your ongoing support, it means a lot to me. Have a great rest of your week lovely ???? xx
I always have loads of pads and oils and patches at disposal. I haven’t tried that gun, though. As of late I’m using sth I find superb – Natural Mud. Do try it, if you haven’t already. You heat it up in a microwave or an oven and can use it time and time again.
I’ve come across “mud” for face masks but not for pain so that’s really interesting. I had no idea you’d be able to heat such a product or use repeatedly. So is it like a compress, with some kind of mud-infusion? I’ll have to investigate online a little further but it’s fab that it can be of use for you as every little helps ????
Thanks for the recommendation and it’s great that others will be able to look down the comments and see a few new products to consider! xx
Thanks for these ideas Caz, definitely thinking of trying the acupressure mat and the Voltarol. I tend to put ibuprofen gel on my painful knee joints but it would be great if something ‘over the counter’ works just as well, definitely worth a try. Thank you for all your ideas xxx
I’m glad you like the product suggestions ???? I’m curious about the acupressure mat, too! It’s more than I can really afford but maybe curiosity will get the better of me eventually, and I can see I’m not the only one interested in it!
I take Ibruprofen caplets but I’ve not used a specific ibruprofen-only gel before, only Voltarol. Do you find it does much for you? I hope so. I find Voltarol pretty decent for what it is but I don’t know how it stacks up against Voltarol. It’s not cheap, but Amazon are usually cheaper for the larger tubes than elsewhere so I stock up there.
Thanks for the comment, Jen – sending hugs your way xxxx
CBD Gummies….I think I need some.
I love this round up of self help products. When we are living with pain, we really need such a large range and variety of things like you’ve described above. I seem to have an abundance of heat pads but I love them all!
Heat pads are so comforting, aren’t they? I love them, too, and I agree on needing a range of products at our disposal to be able to try. Some will make a difference, others won’t, so it’s a bit of trial and error. I’ve actually got a review post for Orange County to do soon and they have these amazing CBD gummies. So sugary and soft and just…. yuuuuum! A bit too good perhaps for someone like me who can’t stop eating sweets ???? Thanks for the comment, Liz – I’m glad you like the product round-up! xx
Oh me and my sweet tooth would have a problem with them!!!
I buy magnesium chloride flakes and make my own magnesium oil, which is great for pain, nerves, sleep, etc. Most people are very low on magnesium and magnesium is part of hundreds of processes in my body and mind. I also found a boswelia creame by Dropain, that I like. There are great homeopathic creams for pain. I used to carry around a bag of herbs I’d mix up to smell the scent for headaches. There are many wonderful natural remedies š Thanks for pointing out some others š
Magnesium is brilliant, isn’t it? I take liquid magnesium but making your own oil from mag chloride flakes is a really interesting idea. I’ve not come across Dropain before so I’ll take a look online. Thank you for sharing your suggestions on more natural remedies for pain relief & management – this will be great for others looking through the comments for suggestions, Katelon! xx
What an excellent review of pain relief products! It’s good to know there are other methods to try to relieve pain.
I’m forwarding this post to my partner because he suffers from daily nerve pain in his leg.
Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad you like the post, Rachel, and I hope maybe your partner can find something new here to try. It’s disappointing when you can’t “get rid” of pain and so few things may even come close to touching it, but I do think the little things can add up to provide a bit of relief and make living with it just a little more bearable ???? xx
I need number 5 in my life. LOL š This is a good, comprehensive list of products. Thank you so much for putting this article together, Caz. xoxo
The gel-bead style eye packs you can put in the freezer are brilliant. I chose Therapearl here just because that’s all I’ve used but I imagine there are various brands and prices available. Definitely recommended. I’m glad you liked the list – thanks, Kymber! xx
I don’t suffer from chronic pain, fortunately, but I do have experience with some of these products, like the electrical stimulation, which is one of the things my chiropractor used to use on me back when I was going to a chiropractor. And of course our vizsla Dennis did suffer from chronic pain due to hip dysplasia and, later on, an osteosarcoma, and among the various treatments that made him more comfortable were CBD creams (applied inside his deliciously soft ears), cold laser, acupuncture. I believe we also had some kind of heated weighted blanket thing for him. Things like this are why my parents say they want to be reincarnated as one of our animals …
Chaplin: “And of course I was always there to help Dennis out by purring on him!”
Electric stimulation can be really beneficial some people, so I hope it made a difference to you during your chiropractor times. Howās your back doing these days? Itās really interesting that you mention how you used CBD for Dennis because I just imagined oil into food, not cream into his ears. Good thinking! I also hadnāt realised cold laser and acupuncture could be used on dogs, so thatās fantastic. Itās heartbreaking to thing of our pets, part of our family, suffering and in pain, so itās good there ways to provide a little relief. Of course, nothing would have worked as well as cat purrs! Cat purrs were to Dennis like a cuppa tea is to me – solves everything ????
Hi Caz! āØ
I love this post – thank you for sharing your insight and advice. I have family members that use CBD oil for when their joints flare and causes them pain to the point that they find it hard to sleep in the evening. So I would be happy to also inform them of CBD gummies as we have not heard of it before. The knee pillow is another great idea!
Such a great comprehensive list ???? Appreciate you putting this together.
Have a great week! āļø
Genevieve xx
I’m sorry about your family members living in pain and finding it hard to sleep as a result, but it’s great if CBD can help in some way, even a little to take the edge off or make sleep a little easier to come by. I personally have loved gummies, both Reakiro and Orange County’s – I’ve got a review for Orange County coming up soon actually.
A pillow between your knees sounds so simple and yet I’ve found it to make a huge difference to me when lying on my side. Even without chronic pain in your hips or back, I imagine it might make things more comfortable generally because it helps align your posture better.
I’m really glad you liked the list – thank you, Genevieve! I hope you’re having a relaxing weekend ???????????????? xx
I love how you link out to your other reviews, all with the aim to help people with pain management. So thoughtful, Caz! My husband is totally wanting a massage gun and honestly I could use it today after doing some new workouts this week – I’m sore lol!
I wasn’t sure if it all looked a bit of a mess or not with using the colour background to separate sections for previous reviews, so I’m really glad you liked it!
Sounds like the new workouts are making you pay for the pleasure of doing them ???? I hope the payback doesn’t last too long! xx
Ooh, thanks, I had been meaning to order a leg pillow and kept forgetting! The old, squashed pillow between my knees isn’t working anymore and I’ve got a sciatic flareup following a mad couple of weeks decorating a bedroom. Let’s see what the new pillow does for my back pain.
It seems so simple and get a pillow for between your legs/knees has made a big difference for me. I’m sorry your redecorating has flared up the pain. I hope it eases back to baseline soon lovely. Hopefully it’s all been worth it for the bedroom! ???? xx
What a great post Caz. So many options, and I love that the comments open up even more discussions as people reveal what works for them. An invaluable resource.
Voltarol I have one time used regular and found very good.
I can’t remember off the top of my head my brand of Tens Machine, as I haven’t used it for some time. But its a basic one I bought many years ago from Boots and an absolute godsend for the purpose I needed it for at the time; a hand and arm injury that painkillers didn’t touch, but the tens machine did, while it healed and when physio eventually started. I used it for many months after I went back to work, to manage the pain, until I didn’t need it.
I have no hesitation to use it again, if needed.
I have used Tiger Balm red, when I didn’t have my own heating cream on me, to calm down pain and it was very good. I never used it before, until it was offered to me by a friend to try because I was in so much discomfort.
Tiger ???? balm is one of my most top used. Iāve recently used the patches for the first time they werenāt to bad. Love all your options donāt realize how much is out there
I need a heating pad in my life!
This is so good, Caz! I’ve shared on social so others can get some great ideas for pain relief too. And you’re right – the issue is finding what works for you as an individual. I can swear by something that someone else tries and says, “Seriously?!? That’s it?!” ????
You have offered up so many fantastic options here that anyone should be able to find a good fit. Oh, by the way, I love how you linked to your reviews. It catches the eye and leads to more information if someone is interested. Very nice.
That accupressure mat though….dang…that thing looks kind of torturous! I can see how it would work because a lot of people swear by accupuncture for relief. If you do try it out, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
The knee pillow is one I can’t live without. It really does relieve hip, knee, and lower back pain, especially while trying to get a restful night’s sleep. (As you know, the quality of sleep determines a lot about how we feel). The advancements of CBD are exciting too. I’ve been considering trying a rub on cream for localized muscle or joint pain.
I loved, “To Better Days.” Wow, I was unfamiliar with that product but am kind of fascinated by it now. Thank you for sharing, Caz.
Sending so much love to you, my friend. I think of you often and hope you are well. ā¤ļø Thanks again for bringing us these amazing pain relief options.