Back pain is extremely common and is usually nothing serious. However, it can cause a lot of discomfort in your everyday life and can make even the simplest of tasks difficult. Many of us can relate to suffering from back pain so it is important to look into various treatments for lower back pain.
There are many different strategies for solving lower back pain and a simple massage could be the answer you’re looking for. Read on to find out the most effective treatments and back massages for lower back pain.
What causes back pain?
Most back pain is known as ‘non-specific’ because there is no obvious cause. Opposing this, it could be ‘mechanical’ where the pain originates from the joints, bones, or soft tissue around the spine. This type of back pain tends to last a few days and gets better over time. It may feel worse when moving and is sometimes the result of poor posture or lifting something heavy. It could also be due to sitting for a long period of time.
Aside from these common reasons, back pain could be caused by other conditions such as sciatica, a slipped disc, or spondylolisthesis, so it is very important to look after yourself and invest in the correct treatments for back pain.
Why massage is effective for back pain
Receiving a massage is considered a very low risk and non-invasive treatment, making it the safest and easiest treatment for back pain.
A back massage for lower back pain can be extremely beneficial and these benefits include:
- Increased blood flow
- Decreased tension in the muscles
- Increased endorphin levels
- Increased range of motion
- Breakdown of scar tissue.
Massage techniques for lower back pain
Natural treatments:
General exercise, yoga, and Pilates are all proven options to help ease back pain. Even meditation can be effective as it is proven to have a positive impact on the body and muscles. You can find some great routines online to follow at home.
Deep tissue massage:
A deep tissue massage can be performed by a trained massage therapist. This type of massage uses more force and reaches muscles and connective tissue on a deeper level.
Shiatsu massage:
This is a Japanese style of massage. It uses pressure over the body in a rhythmic fashion and is intended to stimulate the body to heal itself.
Self-massage tools:
Products such as massage guns or foam rollers can easily be used at home. Try placing a foam roller under your back and apply pressure while gently rolling up and down. With the lower back area try to focus more to the sides as opposed to the centre of the back.
Warning: Don’t apply pressure directly onto the spine, this could cause more damage. Focus on the muscles next to the spine.
For the best lower back massager, try the Pulseroll vibrating foam roller and massage gun to get deep into the muscle tissue.
