)
Around 4 million Australians suffer from issues related to back pain. With the growing upsurge in massage therapy, maybe it’s time to consider doing something that really works to combat your back pain and improve your quality of life.
Massages are an enjoyable, accessible way to help manage your back pain. They provide many benefits, which we will touch on later.
What causes back pain?
Back pain is caused by activities, injuries, and a range of medical conditions. A person’s chance of developing lower back pain increases as they get older.
Degenerative disc disease is a condition in which a damaged disc causes pain. This is more prevalent in older people but can affect people at any age.
Muscle strain
Back pain most commonly occurs as a result of injury, muscle strain, or tension. A strain stems from damage to the muscle or soft tissue when it is stretched past its limit and tears. Muscle strains usually result in short-term or temporary back pain. Chronic back pain, on the other hand, can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition.
Typically, a strain or sprain occurs during improper lifting, falls, long periods of poor posture, or sports injuries. A strain involves damage to the muscle when it’s stretched too far and tears. Sprains, on the other hand, result when ligaments that connect bones are overstretched or torn.
Poor posture
Poor posture is a common cause of back pain. Frequently sitting at a desk or in a hunched-over position for long periods can cause back and shoulder issues over time. This also extends to improper pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying when working in an environment that requires consistent lifting.
Damaged discs
In addition to degenerative disc disease; which occurs due to a lack of hydration as we get older, herniated discs are another common cause of back pain. Discs sit between the spinal vertebrae and help our spines absorb shock. These discs have a fluid-filled centre and when this fluid breaks through the outer layer, the pressure can result in a pinched nerve. A pinched nerve causes back pain as well as other shooting pains and discomfort.
Can massage help reduce back pain?
Fortunately, there are many ways to alleviate back pain. Massage therapy is now considered one of the best remedies for chronic or temporary back pain.
Massages for back pain can manage stress on your muscles, expedite sports injuries, prevent future back injuries, and improve the range of motion in your back.
Manage muscle stress
Massages relieve tension in the muscles brought on by stress. It is also a soothing and relaxing break from your regular routine.
Sport recovery
If you sustained a sports-related injury, such as a back or neck sprain, getting a massage can help speed up your recovery.
Prevent back injuries
A massage can make your muscles more flexible. Healthy and flexible muscles are less likely to become injured and give you back pain in the future.
Improve back range of motion
Because massages decrease muscle tension and improve flexibility, you will also benefit from an improved range of motion after a massage.
Best types of massage for back pain
There are different types of massages that are directed at specific parts of the body. There are types of massages specifically for the treatment of back pain. These include deep tissue back massage, trigger point back massage, Swedish massage, and massage chairs.
Deep tissue back massage
A deep tissue massage uses deep finger pressure and slow strokes to get to the deeper layers of the muscles. The added pressure from a deep tissue massage is great for injuries, soreness, and chronic pain. A deep tissue massage can also help with chronic anxiety.
Trigger point back massage
A trigger point massage focuses on the specific areas that are causing discomfort. Trigger points are those areas of tightness in the muscle or soft tissue that cause pain in other parts of your body. These trigger points are relieved through deep pressure work and flowing strokes.
Swedish massage for back pain
The Swedish massage is a great starting point for those who have never received a massage before. A Swedish massage is a full body massage using deep circular motions, kneading, long strokes, passive joint movements, and tapping. It eases muscle tension and can aid in managing short-term back pain.
Massage chairs for back pain
In the same way that a good massage can alleviate back pain, a good massage chair can similarly provide pain relief. Perhaps the biggest advantage of a massage chair is that they do not require another person to relieve your pain.
They can also be used more regularly than a traditional massage and do not require you to have to leave the house. This can be beneficial for those who work a lot, have children, or have mobility issues.
Ultimate Chiro Massage Chair
The Ultimate Chiro Massage Chair from Masseuse Massage offers first-class quality and comfort in a dazzling design with integrated advancements such as SL-Track technology, ZeroGravity function, surround sound Bluetooth speakers, and leg, arm, and foot cushions.
The Ultimate Chiro has an independent set of rollers to provide customised kneading to the neck and shoulders. The massage hands can be adjusted to your liking and can be used along with the Hot Stone Massage heat function to relax and relieve your upper body.
Therapeutic Dual-Pro™ Massage Chair
The Therapeutic Dual-Pro™ Massage Chair has one of the largest massage zones on a massage chair, ever. It's the only chair on the market with Advanced Dual-Pro™ 4D Massage Technology: two powerful massage hands that simultaneously massage your upper and lower body. The Therapeutic Dual-Pro™ also features advanced Flexi-Track™ Rail Technology, a 135 cm SL-shaped rail installed within the chair that actually flexes and adjusts during treatment to expertly mould to the shape of your spine.
With its sleek and modern design, the latest features and the most advanced technology, this massage chair is in a league of its own and is a perfect investment for someone who wants the absolute best in massage therapy.
Other ways to combat back pain
In addition to massage therapy, you can combat your back pain by working on your posture, increasing the quality of sleep, and physical therapy.
Work on your posture
Poor posture can make back pain worse. So, try sitting upright, relaxing your shoulders, and keeping your feet flat on the floor to improve posture.
Increase quality of sleep
Because back pain and lack of sleep usually go hand-in-hand, alleviating one may also alleviate the other. Poor sleeping positions can aggravate back pain, so sleeping in a neutral position, investing in a good mattress, and putting a pillow between your knees may help.
Physical therapy
A physical therapist can show you how to stand, sit, and walk to alleviate back strain and keep your spine in the proper alignment. They can also help you strengthen your core which helps support your back.
Wrap up
If you’ve been suffering from back pain for a while or recently started to experience back pain due to injury, you do not have to live in pain. There are many ways to alleviate this pain and improve your quality of life.
Take a look at our range of massage chairs and see if you can find something that works for you. Chances are, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t tried a massage chair sooner!
