Low back pain plagues a lot of people worldwide, and it is tough to treat. Research has shown that few therapies such as medications, injections, and surgeries reliably treat it, and some aggravate it.
Studies estimate that most adults will experience lower back pain. In most cases, the pain goes away, and in certain instances, it lingers.
Low back pain can be acute or chronic, and it is a common reason why people go to see a physician. Low back pain is usually due to ageing, lack of exercise, sitting for long periods, injury, or improperly lifting heavy items.
Massages are a great way to treat lower back pain as the American Massage Therapy Association stated that therapeutic massages are effective for low back pain, and they can provide lasting benefits. The positive effects of back massage include:
- Reduce pain
- Improve blood circulation
- Eliminate pain
- Relax tight muscles
- Eases stress and anxiety
- Supplements other back pain treatments
A massage can be provided by a physical therapist or massage therapist. A physical therapist may include massage as part of a lower back pain treatment plan that includes stretching and light exercises.
The two types of massage are whole-body massage and structural massage. The whole body massage is wholesome, while the structural massage targets specific connective tissues and specific muscles.
They are diverse styles of massage, and all help to relieve pain. They include
- Swedish massage: This whole-body massage is a gentle massage that helps to relax the body. This gentle massage involves gentle kneading, circular movements, vibrations, and tapping.
- Trigger point massage: This whole-body massage focuses on specific areas of pain caused by trigger points in the muscles.
- Shiatsu massage: This whole-body massage focuses on areas that need attention. It uses pulsing pressure.
- Deep tissue massage: This whole-body massage relieves tension in the body by using pressure. The massage makes use of force to reach connective tissues and muscles.
- Sports massage: This massage is done on athletes to either prevent injury or let an injured athlete return to sport.
Lower back pain is common in many adults, and it can occur for many reasons, such as wear and tear, inactivity, and improper lifting. There are different types of massages. Some are safe to try on your own, and some should be done by professionals. The two types of back pain are acute and chronic. Acute pain lasts for a short period, while chronic back pain lasts for a long time. Massage can provide relief in both instances.
The causes of pain include:
- Having poor posture
- Not exercising
- Falling
- Straining a muscle
- Straining a ligament
- Lifting heavy objects
- Sitting for long periods
Some factors below can lead to conditions that trigger back pain or be the reason for back pain itself.
- Arthritis
- Bulged discs in the spine
- Degenerative or ruptured discs in the spine
- Osteoporosis
- Skeletal irregularities
Massage can provide healing and relief for lower back pain problems. The two muscles that stabilize and support the lower back and hips are the quadratus lumborum and gluteus medius. Problems like lower back pain decreased mobility, and stiffness occurs when these muscles are negatively affected.
The quadratus lumborum muscle consists of different layers and extends through the lower back. It allows you to bend backward and bend sideways. This muscle can become stiff, strained, or fatigued when certain activities like lifting something, leaning over something, or sitting slumped, are performed. It may also develop trigger points when nerves are trapped, and this will cause lower back pain. Note that the muscle can be massaged by a therapist in a quest to relieve back pain.
The gluteus medius is a hip abductor that allows you to lift your legs and thighs sideways. It also keeps your hip level when you stand on one leg. This muscle is integral, and any problem with it can lead to lower back pain. The gluteus medius muscle can experience pain due to imbalance or weakness from causes such as repetitive trauma, blunt trauma, injury, or strenuous physical activity.
The quadratus lumborum and gluteus medius muscles should be focused on by your therapist when you want to have a lower back massage.
You are to see a medical professional when you find out that the efforts you take on your own aren’t easing the pain. Efforts by a physical therapist or chiropractor can adjust your spine and relieve lower back pain. You may see a doctor if the lower back pain you experience is long-lasting and severe.
The doctor may recommend some suggestions like physical therapy, bed rest, medications, back support, exercise. application of heat or ice on the lower back., modification of daily activities. If the doctor recommends some exercises to cope with back pain, you may take hemp protein post-workout for better workout results.
