Getting the Right Massage for Low Back Pain

ByZero Health Care

Lower back pain is the most frequent musculoskeletal issue in the world, according to the World Health Organization.Lower back discomfort affects roughly one out of every ten adults, making it the biggest cause of missed work and activity limits. If you have lower back discomfort, you should know that massage is a suggested treatment for reducing pain and speeding healing.

Continue reading to discover more about the advantages of massage therapy for lower back pain, as well as your treatment alternatives. Here, we’ll look at how massage, whether from a skilled expert or from a high-quality massage chair, may help you get rid of your back discomfort. But, of course, always seek medical advice first!

Why Does my Lower Back Ache?

What we think of as lower back discomfort is really caused by tension or inflammation in two key muscles: the quadratus lumborum and the gluteus medius, which both help to stabilise and support the lower back and hips. These muscles can contract around the nerves when they become strained, irritated, or stiff due to injury, exhaustion, or illness, producing discomfort and restricted movement.

The quadratus lumborum muscle is responsible for bending your spine rearward and your torso sideways. It’s made up of multiple layers and runs the length of the lower back. When the quadratus lumborum contracts, nerves can become entrapped inside the muscle fibres, causing severe, stabbing sensations.This stiffness can also cause a persistent, chronic aching that flares up when you move suddenly.

The gluteus medius muscle is located on the posterior hip and is responsible for allowing the thighs and legs to elevate sideways while standing on one leg.Any stiffness or weariness in the gluteus medius can produce discomfort in the lower back, back of the thigh, or buttocks, limiting lower back and leg mobility.

If your discomfort travels down your leg from your hips, it’s possible you’re suffering from sciatic nerve pain. Read our blog post to learn more about the intricacies of sciatic nerve pain. Pain is classified into three categories based on how soon it appears and how long it lasts. If you have lower back discomfort, you should:

  • Acute back pain starts suddenly and lasts roughly 48 hours.
  • Acute back pain might progress to subacute back pain, which usually heals within three months.
  • Any back discomfort that lasts longer than three months is considered chronic.

Unlike acute and subacute pain, which is generally caused by an injury and heals over time, chronic pain is caused by a number of underlying diseases and may require special therapy.

Common Causes of Lower Back Pain

Injury or trauma, as well as excessive tension on the quadratus lumborum and gluteus medius, can cause acute and subacute lower back discomfort. Among the most common reasons are:

  • Falling or being subjected to horrific events
  • Lifting large items incorrectly
  • While moving, keep a bad posture in mind.
  • Not exercising or sitting for an extended period of time
  • After engaging in repeated tasks, you may experience sudden back movements.

Acute lower back pain that is severe or occurs frequently can lead to long-term health issues that are more likely to cause chronic lower back pain.

The following are the most prevalent reasons of persistent lower back pain:

  • Muscle atrophy/deconditioning as a result of ageing or inactivity
  • Bulging, ruptured, or degenerative discs in the spine
  • Arthritis Osteoporosis

Best Massage Chairs for Lower Back Pain

Of course, a high-quality massage chair is the most effective way to self-massage. Different models will have different features and functionalities to meet your individual requirements, such as:

Zero Gravity: In a zero gravity position, your weight is evenly distributed and your back is less stressed.

Heat: settings assist to relax and release tense back muscles.

Decompression Stretch: This stretch lengthens your spine and relieves strain on your back’s nerves and muscles.

Adjustable Intensity: Depending on your back’s demands, you may alter the intensity levels from deep tissue massage to light pressure.

Selectable Techniques: Taping, kneading, knocking, and synchronising methods can be used to further personalise your massage therapy.