Back pain is a common ailment that can be caused by many different factors. It may stem from an injury, overuse of the back muscles, or even stress and anxiety. Whatever the cause, it’s important to get help quickly before it worsens into chronic pain. Massage therapy is one way to ease this pain without using medication or other invasive treatments. With massage, you will feel relief while you relax.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the most common causes of back pain and how massage therapy can help alleviate them.
Do you work at a desk? Sitting all day can lead to tight back muscles and can make you more prone to injury.
Do you work at a desk? Sitting all day can lead to tight back muscles and can make you more prone to injury.This is because sitting causes your hamstrings, the big muscles in the back of your thighs, to shorten up. If it’s not addressed, these shortened hamstrings will pull on the spine and cause pain- especially when trying to stand up from a seated position.
Fun fact: Chairs with armrests can be problematic because they force your back to stay in one position while you’re working- it’s best to avoid those!
Okay, but I work at a standing desk, surely that’s better than sitting right?
Not so fast!
Standing can also cause stiff back muscles which lead to pain.
That’s not all. If you stand for too long without taking a break and your feet are elevated, the blood might pool in your lower body veins causing varicose or spider vein-like symptoms on the legs as well as swelling of the feet and no one wants that!
So what’s the best option for me?
Well, a healthy balance is key. You should find time to sit, stand and recline throughout your day- it’ll make all of these factors work together in favor of good posture instead of against you! So take that break every hour or so from sitting at your desk to stretch.
Also, book a massage! Current data shows that massage is sometimes the best approach to back pain!
Massage can help release tight muscles and allow your body to move fluidly. It helps reset the pain receptors in the brain that are causing you pain.
What about the other causes of back pain?
Well, I’m glad you asked! Pain can be caused by anything from slipping discs in your spine or nerve damage or even pregnancy.
Now, massage can’t cure a slipped or bulging disc, but it can help to relieve the pain that’s associated with it. All those muscles around the slipped disc can tense up, which can cause pain. And the good news is that massage has been shown to help in these cases!
Massages are also helpful for pregnant women who often have hip and pain along the sciatic nerve.
Massage can help to relax the muscles in your back and pelvis, which will also reduce any inflammation that might be going on.
Massages are a great way for anyone who’s suffering from back pain to feel better- you deserve it!
How can you relieve back pain?
Get enough exercise. We all love to binge some Netflix, but we also have to get moving! Exercise boosts circulation, which can help relieve pain.
Don’t forget to stretch and do yoga. Yoga is a great way to build strength and balance.
It’s also important to keep your back straight! Slouching can cause pain in the lower back, so it might be time for a reminder from mom: “Sit up straight!”
It also might be time for a new mattress! Your current mattress might not be firm enough. The springs might be wearing out. A new mattress is a great way to provide your back with the support it needs.
So, you want to avoid the common causes of back pain?
Exercise, stretching, and yoga, keeping straight posture, avoiding slouching while sitting or standing for long periods of time. Avoid that Netflix binge!
Slip-ups happen though so be sure you make a monthly massage appointment.
