Therapeutic Massage Chairs Relieve Lower Back Misery
Do you suffer from low back pain? Pain is a symptom of a musculoskeletal disorder occurring in the lower back. The intensity of the pain felt depends on the extent of the disorder. There are numerous causes such as injury or strains to the lower back. Each case involves issues with the discs, ligaments, soft tissue and muscles in the lower back. Treatments vary depending on the extent and area of damage, but one popular therapy is the use of massage chairs to relieve low back pain.
Most people at one point or another in their life will experience some level of low back pain. It may be caused by certain disorders of the lower back, injury or just plain over usage. Some of these causes can be prevented where others may occur as symptoms from other diseases.
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 are being adopted as a natural remedy to help the healing process of the spine and for pain relief. Many medical and chiropractic offices are now equipped with these mechanical wonders. They are used to help restore flexibility and elasticity to the muscle and soft tissue areas by providing a variety of treatments.
A rolling massage is used to provide a traction function with a massage chair. The rolling is performed by rollers located in the back of the chair to target the spine. The patient is reclined back in the chair, and with the use of the patients weight and the angle of recliner, the rollers gently elongate the soft tissues between the discs. This helps to restore flexibility.
Massage chairs are used to deliver full body heat. These massage recliners have heating elements located throughout the chair. They can be used individually to target specific areas or used for the full body. Heat is commonly used to reduce the instance of swelling and help with the flow of blood in the area.
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.
Now, the makers of massage chairs also incorporate other technologies like an MP3 music player. Music helps the mind to relax and take the focus off the painful areas. As the mind relaxes, the tension in the muscles is released. The massage treatments become more effective when the mind is not reacting and holding the muscles under tension.
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.
Begin your research into Massage Chairs and discover the best brands like Panasonic, Omega and Sanyo. These companies deliver therapeutic massage therapy to make you feel your best. View Massage Chair Reviews to compare the features that are most appropriate for you.
April 26th, 2010Topic: Diet and Exercise Tags: Diet and Exercise
