The best foam rollers for your back

Why you'll love it: Not only does the TriggerPoint CORE roller come in several sizes, it also offers moderate compression and a durable multi-density core.

You'll find the TriggerPoint CORE foam roller in three sizes. The smallest 12-inch one is just the right size for traveling and bringing to the gym. Despite its small size, even the 12-inch roller will work for most muscle groups. If you're looking for a larger roller with more stability for a home gym, the 36-inch roller is a safe bet. The 18-inch version falls somewhere in between.

Regardless of which size you select, you'll get the same amount of support and stability. The multi-density core tends to be more durable than rollers made with polypropylene, which may start to lose its shape and break down over time.

Some rollers are firm and rigid, while others are softer, making them best for beginners and those who prefer lighter foam rolling sessions. The CORE roller is dense enough to massage tight muscles and knots. You can even use it to work out kinks and improve soreness.

This roller "has just enough give to make you want to keep using it but enough bite to feel it work," according to one satisfied Amazon shopper. Another buyer found that the larger size is plenty if you want to work out your entire back in one rolling session.

The TriggerPoint CORE roller stands out as a value pick for its versatility and features for the price. Despite its rigid high density foam core, which keeps the roller from losing its shape over time, the CORE roller is designed for moderate compression.

According to TriggerPoint, this foam roller is soft enough for beginners as well as anyone who prefers mid-level compression. You can use the roller to manage a variety of aches and pains throughout the body. The manufacturer also states that the roller's multi-density pattern helps boost circulation and mobility.

Pros: Solid EVA foam core, maintains shape over time, offers moderate compression

Cons: Compression may be too light for those who want a deep tissue massage, some beginners find it too painful, largest roller can feel a bit bulky and awkward for certain parts of the body

Buy the TriggerPoint CORE Multi-Density Solid Foam Roller on Amazon for $17.99 (originally $19.99)

Why you'll love it: Aside from the fact that it comes in half and full versions, the ProSource Flex Foam Roller is dense and supportive enough for beginner to intermediate users.

Foam rolling can be intimidating, especially if the first thing that comes to mind is a rigid roller with painful trigger points. The ProSource Flex Foam Roller provides a dense yet forgiving foam structure with moderate pressure.

If you're just starting out foam rolling, you can go as slowly and gently as you want. Once you're able to build up confidence, you can apply a bit more pressure. Half-round rollers are available for the gentlest foam rolling sessions. The half-round rollers come in 12-inch and 36-inch varieties. Full rollers are also available, in sizes ranging from 12 to 36 inches.

Both the half and full-size rollers are useful for self-massage, including myofascial release. The rollers work by boosting blood circulation, which in turn leads to a greater range of motion. You can also use the roller to boost coordination, as well as improve your core strength and balance.

Many fans of this foam roller tout its benefits when it comes to relieving muscle tightness and even rehab. "I'm amazed at how a simple foam roller allows me to work out muscle tightness and knots that previously required the skills of a neuromuscular therapist," comments one reviewer. Some gym-goers use their roller before and after a workout for maximum results.

As a beginner, you might find that the half roller is the right initial investment. However, as you progress, you may need more pressure. The full rollers are ideal for intermediate users, down to their firm EPE foam construction. While it's not quite as rigid as some of the other rollers, this ProsourceFit foam roller is firm enough for a variety of stretches, as well as physical therapy, Pilates, core stabilization, muscle massage and more.

According to Prosource, you can use one or two rollers for various seated and standing exercises, and to improve balance.

Pros: Ideal for beginners, affordable, comes in several sizes and variations

Cons: May not be firm enough for more advanced users, some say it starts to sag after many uses, can slide on some floor surfaces

Buy the ProSource Flex Foam Roller on Amazon for $9.99

Why you'll love it: At 18 inches long, the Rollga offers enough surface area for the body while remaining small enough to stash in a suitcase or other luggage.

When I bought my first foam roller years ago, I assumed the 36-inch roller would be all that I needed. However, I soon found myself wishing for something smaller and more compact when traveling.

Whether you're a frequent flier searching for a compact roller that easily fits into your luggage or you just want a portable foam roller when the need arises, this Rollga roller is just 18 inches, making it highly portable. Don't be fooled by its smaller size, though, because there's still plenty of surface area to cover your back, shoulders, legs and more.

The Rollga Foam Roller PRO helps fill a glaring void in the world of foam rollers. Instead of delivering results via one uniform piece of foam, this roller is designed with hard contours for maximum effectiveness. It's also equipped with a spine alignment zone, which keeps bones protected without compromising performance when it comes to workout out knots, kinks, soreness and more in your back.

Because the shape isn't uniform, the roller "creates a sense of fascial separation when rolling, like being kneaded..." one reviewer wrote. The result can be more efficient and less time-consuming rolling sessions. Aside from the spine, the grooves can effectively work the outsides of the legs, another reviewer observed.

Whether you're a beginner looking for your first roller or are concerned about the density, Rollga breaks down its roller density levels with a handy chart. While the softest rollers are ideal for sensitive muscles and new foam roller users, the Rollga Pro is designed with a sports massage-level density that's best suited for advanced users.

Rollga also notes that the hard surface of the Pro means that it won't soften over time, unlike other Rollga rollers, which can lose up to 10% of their density over time.

Pros: Compact enough for travel, hard contours provide more effective results, center channel keeps spine protected

Cons: A bit pricey, may be too firm for beginners; only comes in one size

Buy the Rollga Foam Roller PRO on Amazon for $44.97

Why you'll love it: The URBNFit Vibrating Foam Roller has a range of vibration settings to add an extra boost to the traditional benefits of a foam roller.

If you've never ventured into the world of vibrating foam rollers, you may want to consider trying out one of these handy tools. In addition to the standard benefits of a foam roller, the various massaging levels help relieve muscle soreness, tightness and more in just a short period of time.

Many rollers, such as the URBNFit Vibrating Foam Roller, offer a range of low to high-intensity settings. If you're just getting used to the roller or don't need much vibration, the lowest level should be sufficient. However, if you're looking for maximum relief, you might want to crank it up to the high-intensity settings. This roller has both low and high settings, as well as several in between. There are five total vibration modes.

Some rollers offer little more than a switch to change vibration speeds and settings. Each intensity level is clearly marked on the side of this foam roller. For example, you can start with the lowest level 900 RPMs, or crank it up to the highest-level 3600 RPM. For a bit more variety, choose the fifth setting, which switches between the various levels every few seconds.

If you're working on your upper or lower back, you may want to stick with one of the lowest vibration settings. The roller "has multiple speeds to ensure the right accuracy of balanced pressure to soothe out your back problems," according to one reviewer.

At 13 inches long and more than five inches in diameter, the roller is compact enough to take with you to the gym. However, it's large enough to cover a wide surface area, such as the back and shoulders. Depending on your specific needs, you may select the lowest vibration setting for a gentle massage, or increase power to one of the more powerful settings.

In addition to the upper and lower back, the roller is designed for the shoulders, calves, hips, arms, and more. According to the URBNFit website, you can even place the roller against the wall for more effective results. Customized grooves provide more customized results.

Pros: Five vibration settings, ideal for upper and lower back, intensity levels marked on side of roller

Cons: Slightly heavy, highest setting could be too intense for some, only available in one size

Buy the URBNFit Vibrating Foam Roller on Amazon for $99.99