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Schedule a tour nowUnderstanding Lower Back Pain for Massage
Posted on: July 25, 2012
Back problems and pain, particularly lower back pain, is a common medical complaint. Most people experience this type of pain at least once, and many are chronic back pain sufferers.Fortunately, several measures exist to prevent or reduce most back pain occurrences. If prevention methods fail, simple remedies can treat the pain and eliminate the need for surgery. Massage therapy is one such solution.
Massage is especially valuable for lower back pain caused by tense, tired or strained muscles and ligaments. Massage loosens the muscles, encourages relaxation and lessens the pain. In order to provide the most effective pain relief possible, massage therapists must understand the various causes of lower back pain.
Common Causes of Lower Back Pain
The back is a complex structure. It consists of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and cartilage-like disks. All back pain results from problems with one or more of these components.
Most lower back pain results from muscle strains caused by awkward movements or heavy lifting. Sometimes it includes muscle spasms. Back pain can also arise from structural or skeletal problems like ruptured disks, arthritis, sciatica, osteoporosis and spine abnormalities. Spinal infections, cancerous tumors and neurological problems are rare but possible causes of back pain.
Massage Therapies for Lower Back Pain
The conventional treatments for lower back pain include prescription or over-the-counter medications, cortisone injections, physical therapy and surgery. Exercise is often recommended to prevent further injury.
Although these traditional treatments are the most common back pain solutions, alternative therapies are often better options. They are generally safer than most medical treatments and produce fewer side effects. Acupuncture, massage and other holistic bodyworks are popular alternative back pain treatments. Today, more people than ever before are turning to massage therapy for back pain relief.
The Importance of Focused Massage
Recent clinical studies indicate that massage is "serious medicine," especially when it comes to lower back pain. While it may not be able to cure back pain or treat it permanently, massage provides effective short-term improvement. And, the benefits often last for several months after the initial treatment.
The studies have found that targeted "structural" massages offer better back pain relief than full-body massages that relax the whole body. Massage therapists who help patients through focused massage for back pain must have supplemental, specialized training in their profession. The additional training helps them recognize the specific muscles and connective tissues involved in lower back pain.
