Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Update March 2020: My love of Spikeo (affectionate name for this inanimate object) is known through all my friends, and over time many have tried it. At least 4 of my friends who have tried mine ending up buying one. Even people who think it looks terrifying have found it remarkably soothing. One thing: About a year into my relationship with Spikeo I bought another one to live at my parent’s house for when I have longer visits over the holidays. The new one was SO sharp — turns out that with daily use, the spikes get slightly dull over time. Eventually I felt like my original wasn’t packing the same punch, so bought a new one for myself about 18 months after the original purchase. My new one is gray, which is actually quite pretty and a little less garish. I would advise everyone to get new spikes every couple years or so if you want that signature OUCH with your pain relief. Original review: I have fibromyalgia and have spent hundreds of dollars on various pain remedies throughout the years. Most things haven't really helped, including physical therapy -- the only thing that would provide relief was Tylenol and scalding hot showers. This mat appears to be invented by a sadist and it definitely HURTS, but with regular use my pain has become much, much better. It also helps relieve pain when it happens, but I've found it to be more useful in reducing pain generally rather than addressing a particular pain spot. My best evidence of its effectiveness is that I get extremely thirsty after massages and the same thing happens when I lie on the mat for 20-40 minutes. I don't know what the thirst means (a quick Google says something about the lymphatic system?) but I take it as a sign that this mat actually does something for my knotted-up muscles. I love the mat so much that I made the following meme. I hope it helps in your decision on whether to purchase this.