Sunday, August 23, 2009

Some Massage Chairs Mitigate Lower Back Strains

By Mitch Nagel

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.

There are certain spine conditions that are treated by medical doctors which include Ulcers, Scheuermanns disorder, Pancreatitis, Pagets disease, Pelvic inflammatory disease, Ankylosing spondylitis, and Spinal stenosis. You may require surgery and physical therapy afterwards. In some cases, prescriptions are given.

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 common motion causing low back pain that can be prevented is how the body is used. From an anatomical point of view, the weight being put on the spine tends to be concentrated on a few muscles, ligaments and tendons in the lower back. This concentration of force tends to tire out these muscles causing them to become stiff and more brittle. If the force continues to be applied, then these soft tissues can become further fatigued causing them damage.

Massage chairs have become important treatment instruments in a variety of environments for low back pain. They are used in chiropractic and medical offices for providing therapy to patients. They are also used in physical therapy clinics as part of healing and recovery. They offer a wide range of massage treatments covering the full body along with additional therapies.

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.

Low back pain can be particularly agitating because we depend so much on our spine for mobility. Take the precautionary advice here and adapt your lifting techniques and correct your posture. Give your back a fighting chance to avoid injury. Warm up before activities. A massage chair can be used in these pro-active ways as well. You can use the stretching functions and massage treatments to help warm the body up or after to warm down. If you have other stress and tension, then massage chairs are excellent assets to help you care for your back.

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