Do Massages Help Treat Lower Back Pain?
A massage is a pleasant way to relax and relieve stress, but did you know that massages can also be a great treatment for lower back pain? Massage therapy has been used throughout human history in both Eastern and Western cultures, and it was one of the earliest methods that humans used to relieve pain.
Benefits of Massages
There are numerous benefits to getting a massage, such as:
- Alleviates stress
- Lowers blood pressure
- Improves quality of sleep
- Enhances your immune system
- Reduces fatigue and headaches
How Massages Treat Lower Back Pain
One reason that massages are optimal for treating lower back pain is because this kind of therapy can help relax and loosen muscles. Tight muscles can be very painful and eventually lead to lower back pain. Other ways that massages treat lower back pain include:
- Improves mobility
- Stimulates blood flow, which aids in muscle recovery
- Increases flexibility
- Releases endorphins, which are your body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators
Massage therapy is especially important if you regularly sit at a desk for several hours of the day because being sedentary for prolonged periods of time can make your muscles tense.
Types of Massages for Lower Back Pain
There are many different types of massages that you can receive, but not all styles of massage are ideal to treat back pain. Here are the best kinds of massage therapies that help alleviate lower back pain:
Swedish Massage
This massage focuses on complete relaxation with long, circular movements to ease muscle tension and pain. This kind of massage can be used to soothe cramped muscles.
Deep Tissue Massage
This kind of massage therapy focuses more on realigning deeper layers of your muscles and connective tissues than relaxing the body. Deep tissue massages can help mend scar tissue and relax any tightly knotted muscles that may be causing back pain.
Sports Massage
A sports massage is geared towards athletes and people who do a lot of high intensity exercises. The purpose of these massages is to reduce risk of injury, prevent any re-injuries, and help an athlete return to competition.
Shiatsu Massage
This Japanese form of massage therapy applies pressure all over the body in a rhythmic fashion to alleviate pain. The purpose is to stimulate the body to heal itself and bring your mind and body to a state of tranquility.
What kind of massage you choose for your lower back pain will depend on your comfort level and recommendations from your therapist. Some people may need massages more than often, but some of the best times to get a massage are after a strenuous workout, after a long day of sitting down at work, or before a major life event.
Contact The Spine Pro
Massages are an effective way to combat lower back pain, but sometimes, they may not provide long-term relief. If you believe that your back pain may be due to an underlying issue, it may be time to seek professional help. The Spine Pro’s Dr. Hooman Melamed specializes in minimally invasive spinal surgery and is highly qualified to address any back concerns that you may have. Contact The Spine Pro today to begin seeking relief for your lower back pain.
