Shop Ella Emhoff's Big Pain Management List
Where to Shop (Some of) Ella Emhoff's Big Pain Management List
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Chronic pain can be isolating, as well as physically draining. But at least one in five adults in the US experience it — including Ella Emhoff, an artist, model, and fashion designer and the stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris and daughter of US Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff.
In a recent Instagram Story, Emhoff shared that she experiences chronic back pain that sometimes interferes with her ability to create her knitted artwork, and asked her fellow "chronic pain people" for their pain management techniques. She got thousands of responses — and decided to share the wealth with the rest of us, via a Google Sheet that's now pinned to her Instagram Highlights.
It's the stuff dreams are made of: a huge list of products for chronic pain, including but not limited to chronic back pain, that's already been vetted and vouched for by a real-life person. Of course, we should take these recs with a grain of salt — they're coming from anonymous internet strangers, after all — and always check with your healthcare team before trying something new for a chronic pain condition. But if you're as interested as we were, ahead, you can directly shop (some of) Emhoff's big pain management list.
This information in this article is not medical advice. You should always consult your doctor regarding matters pertaining to your health and before starting any course of medical treatment.
Pregnancy Pillow
Momcozy Pregnancy Pillow ($37)
Whether you're pregnant or not, a pregnancy pillow can add extra support for your back, legs, belly, and hips. It hugs your entire body and may improve blood circulation, release pressure, and help alleviate soreness or swelling. The pillow itself is also soft and flexible so you can relax in various positions while sleeping, watching TV, or reading.
Pain Relief Patch
Salonpas Pain Relieving Patch ($5)
These patches are small but mighty and can provide temporary relief to the back, neck, wrist, ankle, hip, shoulder, knee, or elbow. They're mess-free and administer camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate directly to the skin to provide a cooling, soothing sensation for up to eight hours.
Padded Seat Cushion
TushGuard Seat Cushion ($20)
When you're sitting at a desk or worktable, behind the wheel, or on an airplane, this memory foam seat cushion uses body heat to adapt to your curves and help relieve hip pressure. The non-slip rubber bottom keeps the seat in place and the washable cover is a breeze to clean.
Massage Gun
Theragun Handheld Percussion Massage Gun ($149)
Massage guns have been buzzing for a while. This tool vibrates rapidly, at various speeds and intensities, to help deliver a massage to the targeted area. It's relatively easy to use and the quiet motor keeps noise at a minimum. (But make sure to use massage guns safely.)
Foam Roller
Krightlink Myofascial Trigger Point Foam Roller ($24)
Foam rolling is a great way to reduce muscle tension and stiffness, and this one specifically has triple grid massage zones to help target and release trigger points. It's also lightweight, durable, and pressure-resistant.
Ergonomic Keyboard
Logitech Ergonomic Keyboard ($60)
If you sit at a computer all day, this wireless keyboard allows you to bring your mouse closer to your body, resulting in a more natural shoulder position (compared to a full-size keyboard). The wavy design and memory foam palm rest also provides extra support to your hands and wrists to help minimize pain.
Magnesium Cream
Mars Wellness Magnesium and Arnica Cream ($19)
Some people find that this topical blend of magnesium and arnica helps fight against inflammation and soothe sore muscles. It's made with all natural ingredients and can be massaged onto external areas of your body like the neck, back, legs, or feet.
Heating Pad
Besigila Electric Heating Pad ($26)
If you rely on a hot water bottle for pain relief, this electric heating pad is a game-changer. It's large enough to cover your back, shoulders, legs, or neck, and the six heating settings allow for a customized temperature. Bonus: it's machine washable.
Toe Stretchers
YogaToes Gel Toe Stretchers ($37)
These soft, gel toe stretchers can help improve foot pain and relieve discomfort caused by hammer toe, bunions, and plantar fasciitis. They're latex-free, hypo-allergenic, and built to gently stretch your toes away from the balls of your feet.
Sauna Blanket
HTWELL Far Infrared Sauna Blanket ($139)
As the name suggests, this portable sauna blanket brings the heat directly to you. Fans say it helps ease tension, calm stress, and promote muscle recovery. With temperatures ranging from 95 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit, you can easily customize your preferred setting and heat.
Standing Desk
Veken Electric Standing Desk ($110)
Sitting all day can intensify back and lower-body pain, but for some people a standing desk may help alleviate tightness and encourage blood flow. This one also comes with a memory mode function that stores your preferred desk heights.
Compression Sock
Physix Gear Compression Socks ($14)
Unlike normal socks, compression socks are designed to boost circulation and deliver enhanced blood flow to the legs and feet. They may also help decrease swelling in the lower limbs by improving lymphatic drainage. And some people simply find them more comfortable or soothing on sore legs.
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based freelance writer and graduate from Emory University and Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. Her work has appeared in PS, Women's Health, Cosmopolitan, and elsewhere.
