Reduce back pain with massage
Massage therapy is a popular and increasingly legitimate treatment for back pain. Though it may seem like a new fad, massage has been used to treat pain for centuries. Massage therapy can be used to relieve pain in the lower back, which can be caused by a number of factors. Back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and it costs Americans $100 billion each year in lost productivity and medical expenses.
If you are one of the millions of Americans suffering from back pain, you may be looking for relief. Massage therapy is a safe, natural treatment that can provide relief from chronic back pain. A massage therapist manipulates the soft tissues of the body to relieve pain and tension. Massage therapy is an effective treatment.
Common causes of low back pain
There are many common causes of back pain. In many cases, the pain is due to muscle strains or ligament sprains. These injuries can occur from lifting something improperly, sudden movements, or direct trauma to the back. Back pain can also be caused by conditions such as arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and scoliosis.
What does the research on massage for back pain say?
Several scientific studies have been conducted on massage therapy and its efficacy in treating various conditions, including low back pain. One systematic review looked at ten randomized controlled trials that included a total of 1,759 participants. The review found that massage therapy was effective in reducing pain and improving function in people with chronic low back pain.
Another systematic review looked at 29 randomized controlled trials that included a total of 3,032 participants. This review found that massage therapy was effective in reducing pain and improving function in people with acute and chronic low back pain.
A third systematic review looked at 11 randomized controlled trials that included a total of 1,068 participants. This review found that massage therapy was effective in reducing pain, improving function, and reducing disability in people with chronic low back pain.
There is strong evidence to support the use of massage therapy for treating low back pain. Massage therapy is a safe, natural treatment that can provide relief from chronic back pain. If you are suffering from back pain, massage therapy may be an effective treatment option for you.
What you can do to prevent the likelihood of back pain and injury
Self-care for back pain can include several different things. First, it is important to stay active and continue with your normal activities as much as possible. This will help to keep the muscles in your back strong and healthy. Second, you can try applying heat or ice to the affected area. This can help to reduce inflammation and pain. Third, you can use over-the-counter pain medications to help relieve pain. Finally, it is important to maintain good posture and alignment. This will help to take pressure off of the injured area and prevent further injury.
To avoid injuring your low back, making sure your back muscles are strong and able to handle significant loads is important. First, you can perform exercises that target the muscles in your low back. These can include things like planks, crunches, bridges, and Superman exercises. Second, you can make sure to maintain good posture throughout the day to avoid putting more load on one side of your back than the other and to maintain structural strength and symmetry. This means sitting up straight and keeping your shoulders back. Third, you can wear supportive shoes that help to take pressure off of your low back. Finally, you can practice proper lifting techniques. This means using your legs to lift heavy objects instead of your back.
Sitting for long periods can lead to back pain for several reasons. First, sitting puts more pressure on the discs in your spine than standing or lying down. This can cause the discs to degenerate over time, which can lead to pain. Second, sitting can lead to weak and tight muscles in the hips and hamstrings. This can pull on the low back and cause pain. Third, sitting can lead to poor posture. This can put a strain on the muscles and ligaments in the back and cause pain. Finally, sitting for long periods can lead to a sedentary lifestyle. This lack of activity can cause the muscles in the back to weaken and become deconditioned, which can lead to pain, even with no use.
If sitting for long stretches is unavoidable because of your job or activity, it’s important to take breaks from sitting every 30 minutes to 1 hour. This will help to reduce the amount of pressure on the spine and keep the muscles and ligaments healthy. Additionally, exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles in the back can help to prevent pain.
The most effective massage techniques for back pain
Various massage therapies can be useful in alleviating back pain:
- Swedish massage is a gentle, calming type of massage that can assist in reducing muscle strain and tension.
- Deep tissue therapy is a more rigorous form of massage that encourages the breaking up of knots and adhesions within the muscles.
- Trigger point massages specifically target areas of high muscular tension.
- Myofascial release involves working on the connective tissues surrounding the muscles.
- Neuromuscular massage targets the muscles and nervous system and can help restore both after a back injury or back pain. In addition, it can help to reduce inflammation, improve range of motion, and reduce pain. It’s often used in conjunction with other forms of therapy, such as physical therapy or chiropractic care.
When you receive massage, your body’s physiology changes in several ways that you may not be aware of, but that can be very helpful in dealing with low back pain. For example, massage can help to increase blood flow and circulation, which can help to reduce inflammation and pain in your back and surrounding areas. Massage also releases endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals in your body. Finally, massage can help relax and loosen tight and constricted muscles, which can lead to reduced pain.
These are just a few of the ways that massage can help deal with back pain. If you’re suffering from back pain, talk to your doctor or a licensed massage therapist to see if massage could be a helpful treatment for you.
The MassageBook directory makes it easy to find highly skilled professional massage therapists near you that can help you and your low back feel better and get better—so you can get back to moving without pain!
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