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Low Back Pain Relief: Try a Massage Chair

Posted by Steve Esquire in Health and fitness on 04 27th, 2009 | one response

by Steve Esquire

Low back pain results from a musculoskeletal disorder of the lower back. It can come in varied degrees of pain level. Many things can be the cause of low back pain, but most typically it is caused by muscular strain, injury to the lower back including the discs, ligaments, and muscles that are surrounding the spine area. There are a variety of treatments depending on exactly what is causing the pain, but one treatment that is gaining popularity is massage chairs.

The importance of the lower back to us getting around is critical. The lower back takes the majority of our weight and more so if we lift something. There are certain conditions that occur in time due to aging of the body. Most low back pain problems are preventable with proper posture, lifting, etc.

Some common disorders affecting the spine are Pagets disease, Ulcers Scheuermanns disorder, Ankylosing spondylitis, Pancreatitis, Pelvic inflammatory disease and Spinal stenosis. These conditions are best treated by a medical doctor. The treatments for these conditions range from medication to surgery and may involve physical therapy as part of the recovery process.

The vast majority of low back pain issues are fully preventable. This class of issues is caused by poor lift technique, bad posture, lack of warm up or stretching before activities. As we age, our muscles lose their flexibility and require more warm up prior to activity. The areas tend to stiffen up after activities causing pain and discomfort later.

The lower back enables us to stand upright. For the spine to accomplish this, it distributes the weight over the length of the spine. Injuries or strains cause the weight (force) to be concentrated in one area. This can over stretch a muscle or tendon causing damage. If the concentration of weight continues, then more damage is done.

Massage chairs have found their way into more medical and chiropractic offices as a treatment to the muscles, ligaments and tendons of the lower back. The role of the massage chair is to help to loosen and relax these tight muscles. They have a number of specialized techniques that are applied for effective therapy.

A typical treatment that may be given for a patient suffering from low back pain with a massage chair is a rolling massage. The rollers are located in the chair back. The are set to roll up and down the spine with the patient in a fully reclined position. As the rollers move up or down the spine they perform a traction function. Traction stretches the muscles and ligaments to restore elasticity.

One therapy used to help the healing process is the application of heat. Heaters are located throughout the massage chair. Heat can be applied to various areas of the body or the entire body. Heat is thought to help reduce swelling after activities and to help circulation.

Generally, the muscles of the lower spine need to be elongated. Due to stress and strain, they become tight and inflexible. Massage chairs apply traction to the soft tissues between the discs by gently stretching them. This helps to elongate the tissue making it regain its elasticity.

If you are getting a massage, you might as well relax. Massage chairs incorporate MP3 Players where you can play soft soothing music. Music helps the mind to relax and to let go. This letting go releases the tension in the muscles that the mind is holding. This provides an important environment of relaxation in what may normally be a busy location in offices today.

Most back injuries are preventable. Take a good look at your lifting techniques. Do you lift with your legs (the largest muscles) or your back? How is your sitting and standing posture? Do you warm up prior to activities? These can help eliminate many injuries and strains. Massage chairs can help you warm up before activities and to warm down and relieve muscle aches and pains afterward. Imagine how you could use a massage chair when you need it in the comfort of your own home. Back pain prevention may be the best thing to happen to you with a massage chair.

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