Do you ever get back pain in your lower back? We depend so much on our back that sometimes we take it for granted. Statistics tell us that 80% of the population is affected by low back pain at some point in their lifetime. It is estimated that over $50 billion is spent every year in the treatment of lower back pain. Most reported back pain is due to job related injuries. There are many treatments for lower back pain including surgery and natural therapeutic methods. One interesting method being employed is with the use of massage chairs.
Most people who have low back pain either have it for a few days which is called acute. This may come from poor posture or from lifting heavyweights incorrectly. Other conditions may have chronic back pain. Chronic back pain can last for weeks and sometimes months. There are also cases of progressive back pain.
The majority of cases of low back pain are treated by chiropractors. Chiropractors use only natural methods to restore the health of the spine. Chiropractors do not perform surgery. Doctors of osteopath are the type of doctors that would perform low back surgery.
A doctor of Osteopath is a specialist in musculoskeletal problems particularly the joints. A chiropractor is also specialists in musculoskeletal and problems with a specialty in the spine. Both types of doctors are specialists in spinal health and either is qualified to treat lower back pain.
There are a number of conditions that can affect the lower back such as degenerative disc disease, back injuries among others that can be more chronic in nature. For the most part massage chairs are used to treat acute back pain. For chronic conditions, massage chair therapy is used selectively.
Some persons suffering from low back pain have used massage chairs to help them in some aspects of their recovery. Their soft tissue has become stiff and that is what creates the pain. Increasing the flexibility of the soft tissues is important to restore elasticity. Massage chairs have been used to help increase the flexibility of the soft tissues including joints, ligaments and tendons.
This concentration of force can happen because of poor posture, incorrect sitting position, or improper lifting techniques. This makes a few of the muscles, tendons and ligaments take the majority of the weight which causes them to become fatigued. This will lead to increased stiffness and eventually pain.
Many natural treatments are geared toward restoring flexibility in the muscles and other soft tissues. Massage chair therapy seeks to stretch out these muscles to help restore flexibility. Massage chairs are used to stimulate the lower lumbar and other muscles of the back to help redistribute the weight properly.
Massage chairs come with a variety of techniques to help with spinal health. Many massage chairs have traction systems. For instance, you can stretch out the lower body from the hips to the ankles. There are also stretching systems for the arms and shoulders. Massage chairs also have options to apply heat to different parts of the body.
The key to treating low back pain is to get the spine to take back over its own health. Natural techniques are a much clearer path than having to undergo surgery. In some cases there is no choice. If you are suffering from low back pain, then check with your medical advisor to see what options are available for you. You may find a massage chair is the clearest path to good spine health.