Spiky mats / acupressure mat for relieving pain

[antmanbird]

Not sure if this fits here since it is a very mild option, but I had some good experience with it recently.

I used an acupressure mat a few times when in more pain (evenings) and it made the pain feel less intense and I was able to relax more easily (even fell asleep once). Pain was 6-7 subjectively. The spiky mat dropped it to a 3-4. (so we are on the same page: 10 I would give for that one time I had a tooth granuloma and couldn't think of anything except the pain)

This is how it works for me. I take my shirt off and lie on the mat with my back. The initial shock of pain focuses me away from the pelvic pain. As I “lean into” the pain from the mat, I feel warmth and relaxation. This tends to take your mind off things, including the pain. During and after the session I feel less pain from my perineum. (Makes sense as the spiky pain drowns it out). Maybe some will have trouble adjusting to the pain. I had no trouble, nor did my girlfriend.

There's plenty of options out there, and I'm sure they are similar. It feels a bit overpriced, but if it helps it's worth it. Some brands offer different intensity levels (less spikes = more intensity). I have a Shakti mat (shaktimats. nl) and I think Bed of Nails is popular in the US (bedofnails.org). There are plenty of cheaper options too.

I don't think this is a solution: solutions are physical training, stretching, quercetin, etc. Please try these first. And pills are stronger and more reliable if you are in a lot of pain. But this mat helps to calm me down and prevent more tension, maybe it will help you.

Did anyone else have experience with this?

[antmanbird]

One study I found on this (unpublished though) says they reduce the worst peaks of pain, otherwise do nothing.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2 ... 081311.htm