Posts tagged pain

Do you know that 80% of us will have low back pain during our lifetimes. Our spine is very important to our mobility and getting around. Just everyday activities can put stress and strain on our backs. Improper lifting techniques or even posture can set you up for an injury. Low back pain is a symptom of either a condition, disease or injury. Rehabilitation of the spine may include a chiropractor, massage chair therapy and even physical therapy.

Low back pain is estimated to cost the U.S. 50 billion dollars a year to diagnose and treat. Back pain is the second most common neurological condition in the U.S. and is the most common cause of job related disability and leading contributor to missed work. Lower back pain can be acute, which is short term and lasts only a few days to a few weeks or chronic, which is measured as lasting more than 3 months and can be progressive.

For the vast majority of low back pain cases, non-invasive procedures are used to treat the spine. Of course, there are cases involving surgery, but most can be treated naturally. Rehabilitation and recovery may require pain medications or possibly analgesics to reduce swelling and build up functionality. Most recoveries involve exercise and possibly a program of physical therapy.

Chiropractic care involves using adjustments, electro-stimulation and massage therapy. Chiropractors want to loosen the stiff and tight muscles of the lower back. This is done by electro-stimulation and with massage therapy. The doctor may then perform an adjustment to the spine to align the vertebra more properly.

Even if you do not have low back pain now, there are many things you can be doing to better care for your back. If you exercise regularly, you can use ice and heat. Interestingly, heat nor ice has not been scientifically proven to resolve low back injuries, it is commonly used to reduce swelling and tightness. You can apply an ice pack after strenuous activity for 20 minutes to reduce swelling.

Another remedy is using warm baths or hot packs after 3 or 4 days. This helps to relax the muscles and increase the blood flow to the area. Individuals should never sleep with a heating pad because this can result in burns and other tissue damage. This should help to reduce pain and help to relax the muscles.

Exercise is paramount with the lower back muscles. They need to have a repetitive routine of consistent use. Physical therapy is most often started in the first week after an injury. The muscles need to be used to keep their strength and flexibility. Exercise often and try simple exercises like walking, swimming and stretching.

Many have turned to Yoga as part of the rehabilitation of the lower back muscles. Focus can be given of the regions of muscles in need of a good stretch. Exercises also focus on particular muscle groups. You want to build back flexibility into your low back. Periodic stretching and muscle strengthening helps your back recover and then some. However, work slowly into any new routine. You do not have to win the gold medal the first time out.

Massage therapy provided by a massage chair helps with rehabilitation. Massage chairs provide a number of therapies to help the lower back. Massage chairs use a variety of massage techniques to stretch, elongate and stimulate the muscle tissues. Massage chairs are great to use to warm up before exercise and to warm down after exercise. They help to relax the muscles, increase blood flow and to increase flexibility.

Rehabilitation of the lower back involves restoring the flexibility and strength of the muscles and soft tissues of the spine. To restore the elasticity of the muscles a combination of diet, exercise, massage treatments and stretching play an integral part of your spines health. Continue your treatments in the privacy and convenience of your home with a massage chair.