It is known that low back pain is a major issue in our society, especially for the aging adult. I am always amazed when I have a new client who has been suffering from low back pain for a long time who has tried many ways to eliminate the pain,yet was never given a recommendation for massage therapy. A common mindset is that it is solely issues of the spine, such as disc degeneration, disc bulging or herniation,or arthritic conditions that are responsible for the person's pain. While there is a need to understand these conditions and the role they play in a person's well-being, it is equally important to understand changes that take place in the soft tissue and how these changes result in the majority of pain people experience.
The low back consists of various muscles that attach to the spine, ribs and pelvis that can be adversely affected by our daily activities, including excessive sitting, sports, exercise programs and repetitive use. Unfortunately, these regular activities are not typically offset with a good stretching program or massage therapy to remove the build up of tension in the muscles and connective tissue. When the larger muscles of the low back become tight and restricted, they will have a negative impact on the spine, especially when one side of the back is tighter than the other. Additionally, if a person already has issues of the spine, the low back muscles may have protective muscle guarding, compounding the situation.
If you are suffering from chronic low back pain, adding in regular massage therapy can be life-changing for you. Medical massage is best to be used as a first measure to address abnormalities that form in the muscles, connective tissue and skin that cause pain, as well as to remove pressure on spinal nerves caused by tension in the soft tissue. Depending on the severity of the back issue, many can see incredible changes the first session, with 3-5 sessions of medical massage needed. Then you can follow the therapy up with a good stretching routine at home. Adding in specific core exercises and eliminating aggravating activities, such as excessive sitting, will help create a healthier low back and further reduction in pain. A monthly maintenance massage, as well as a maintenance chiropractor visit can also go a long way in making chronic low back pain suffers have a much better quality of life.
