TENS devices have two electrodes which are placed on the skin, and a small battery pack, which sends a mild electric current into your nerves to block or suppress pain signals. It can cause a tingling, prodding or warm sensation. “The spine can only transmit so many signals at one time, and if it’s bombarded with TENS signals [it can’t send as much pain],” says Humble. “This is a very safe technique, which can be quite inexpensive.”

Humble says TENS machines can be effective for short-term relief from pain, but because they simply remove or mask pain, they won’t typically get to the root cause.

Best for: Pain anywhere on the back

Percussive therapy

Theragun Prime £275, therabody.com