When someone has chronic pain it impacts so many aspects of life. A gift that can help lesson or even manage the pain will be greatly appreciated. Everytime they use your present, they will think of you.
If you don't have experience with pain, hard to know what to buy. That's why I have created this list of the best gifts for someone with chronic pain.
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What is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is pain that is ongoing and usually lasts three months or longer. Examples include:
- Back pain
- Knee pain
- Frequent headaches
- Pain from arthritis
- Fibromyalgia pain.
It is estimated that about 10% of the world population is affected by chronic pain. (1)
RELATED: Best Gifts for Knee Replacement Patients
11 Gift Ideas for Someone with Chronic Pain
You may be surpised to learn about some of the things available today that can help with pain. Some of the products rely on traditional techniques to manage pain but technology has also come a long way.
When you are shopping, keep in mind that not all chronic pain is the same. For example, a product that helps with headaches may not do anything for back pain. Try to understand the recipients symptoms to choose the best present.
RELATED: Practical Gifts for Someone with Back Pain
#1 TENS Device
A TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) unit can be used to treat pain in most areas of the body. The device sends electrical impulses through electrodes that have adhesive pads that are attached to a person's skin to manage the pain. The current may feel like a tingling sensation but does not hurt.
Some people will notice the pain is reduced after using a TENS machine for a few minutes, while it may take longer for others. While the machines are easy to use, it may take a bit to figure out the best placement for the pads.
The iReliev Wireless TENS + EMS is our favorite TENS unit because it can be used so discretely. The wireless pads hide under clothes to provide an effective treatment anywhere. Read more reviews and check the price here.
Check out our list of the best TENS units and TENS accessories. You could also consider getting a TENS and EMS combination unit.
#2 Handheld Massager
Pain relief is one of the benefits of massage, but sometimes it is hard for people to reach the spots that need it. That's why a handheld massager can be a helpful gift for someone with chronic pain.
A handheld massager is versatile and can be used on many different parts of the body. Many are also cordless and portable. It's important to choose a massager with a heat feature. This will help to relax the muscles and get rid of those painful knots.
We like the Mighty Bliss massager. It is portable and lightweight while providing various heads for different massage needs. Simply switch out the heads to change from a Shiatsu to a sports massage. Read more reviews and check the price here.
Check out our list of the best handheld massagers.
If you are shopping for someone with knee issues, you should consider a knee massager.
#3 Massage Gun
A massage gun is a type of handheld massager that delivers a powerful and targeted treatment for pain on many parts of the body. It can reach deeper into the muscle tissue to unlock the nutrients that are needed to heal the muscles.
It comes with four massage head attachents to make it easy to target different body parts. There are also six different speed settings.
The iReliev massage gun is designed to be quiet so the experience is more relaxing. It's also lightweight and cordless, so it's portable too.
Read more reviews and check the price here.
#4 Massage Ball
A massage ball (or a massage ball set) is an affordable gift that anyone with chronic pain would appreciate. It is the most effective way to get to those hard to reach areas and target deep muscle knots that cause pain.
It's simple to use a massage ball. Just place it between the body and something hard and stationary like the floor or a wall. Movement back and forth will work the muscle or staying still works a specific pressure point.
Gillsun Fitness makes a set that contains a 5-inch EVA mobility ball, 2.5-inch by 5.5-inch peanut ball, and (for a limited time) a 2.5-inch rubber lacrosse ball all for one fabulous price. With all these balls, it's easy to target different body areas. Plus, it comes with a travel bag to make it easy to take the balls with you on the go.
The unique design of the Peanut Ball (also called a double massage ball) cradles the spine, perfect for targeting upper back, neck, and scapula. Then you can reach the other areas of your body with either the large or small ball. Read more reviews and check the price here.
Check out our list of the best massage balls.
#5 Acupressure Mat
Many people are skeptical about the benefits of acupressure until they try it. It can do wonders for body pains and improve sleep. Giving someone an acupressure mat as a gift is a fantastic way to introduce them to the therapy. They will be thanking you for years to come.
Acupressure is based on the alternative practice of acupuncture except it doesn't use needles. It uses pressure against the body to facilitate pain management and improve relaxation. Endorphins are released as blood flow is increased.
Look for an acupressure mat with a lot of pressure points. You might also want to choose an acupressure mats that comes with an acupressure pillow or one that includes a travel bag.
The Spoonk H-Pack is a smart choice. The mat itself is made with organic hemp material and ecologically friendly foam. Even the beautiful dyes used on the mats are good for the environment, which means it's healthy for the person lying on it each night. Read more reviews and check the price here.
Check out our list of the best acupressure mats.
#6 Bath Gift Set
Who doesn’t enjoy a soothing warm bath? It is relaxing and helps relieve pain. There are several gifts that can help make the experience more luxurious. Depending on your budget, you could buy or create your own bath gift set that would be perfect for that person with pain issues that likes to be pampered.
A bath set would be complete without bath salts. It is easy to make bath salts with essential oils at home. Add some all natural bath bombs, a bath pillow and some scented candles and you have quite the treat.
Alternatively, consider gifting a bath subscription box so that they can get new bath time inspiration each month and discover new products.
Check out the bath gift sets available on Amazon here.
#7 Heating Pad
Another idea for a gift that helps with managing pain is a heating pad. Heat causes blood to dilate, and the blood flow is increased. When you increase blood flow to the area in pain, it brings relief to that area.
You could get a standard or extra large heating pad, but there are also ones designed for specific body parts that might be more helpful in targeting the pain. Consider these specialized options:
Check out our list of the best heating pads.
#8 Pain Journal
A pain journal provides a place to record symptoms and key observations about chronic pain over time. It can help discover patterns, such as acting up at the same time every day or getting worse after certain activities. With this information, a doctor can create a better treatment plan.
Of course, any notebook could be used as a pain journal but there are some ones that are specifically made for this purpose. Some may be more free form while others (like this one) make it easy to keep track of everything including medications, vitamins, vital signs, pain and other symptoms, sleep habits, exercise, meals, and much more.
See more pain journal options here.
#9 Essential Oil Set
Essential oils can work wonders, including helping reduce inflammation which can help relieve chronic pain. It may seem odd to give oils as a gift, but there are some interesting sets that someone with pain would be thrilled to receive.
This one is an appealing introduction to aromatherapy. It includes a diffuser and six essentials oils like lavender, one of the best essential oils for back pain, and peppermint, one of the best essential oils for foot pain.
Of course, the oils could also be used for massage if diluted with a carrier oil. They can also be added to a hot bath.
Read more reviews and check the price here.
#10 Weighted Blanket
When you are in pain, it can be difficult to sleep. People suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other painful conditions have found it easier to sleep with a weighted blanket. Some people find that this special type of blanket is a good alternative to taking sleeping pills at night.
Weighted blankets are premium blankets that can relieve pain and improve mood. The pressure from the extra weight is similar to deep pressure stimulation. By promoting the ‘calming’ hormones and neurotransmitters, a weighted blanket helps to soothe both the body and the brain.
Gifting a weighted blanket is like giving a big bear hug. It's the perfect gift for someone in pain, especially the elderly.
See more weighted blanket options here.
#11 Eye Massager
For people that suffer from headaches and/or migraines, an eye massager can provide relief. It forces you to relax and allows you to target certain points on the face (such as your temples) that will help calm nerves and relieve headaches.
The Breo iSee4 eye massager works by kneading and using trigger point therapy, oscillating pressure, rhythmic percussion massage, and heat to stimulate blood flow. It has infrared heat that reaches 104F.
In addition to helping reduce headaches and migraines, this eye massage mask can also help with stress, eye strain, eye puffiness, and sinus pressure. Over time it aids in softening skin too. Combine the ocular massage with a warm compress routine to stimulate tear production and open pores.
Check out our list of the best eye massagers here. These eyes masks for migraines could be a suitable cheaper alternative.
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