Back Pain and Massage – A Likely Couple
For centuries massage has been used to work out the kinks in people’s bodies from head to toe, but it is notorious for addressing the agitating, chronic and mysterious condition of lower back pain. Because of the complexity of soft tissues (and bones) in this area, it is incredibly susceptible to injury, strain, overuse and thus PAIN! The good news is massage, coupled with other treatments, can greatly improve most conditions.
What causes back pain?

  • Strained Ligaments – These tough fibrous tissues that connect to bones. There are several sets of ligaments that help hold the lower vertebrae together and keep the spine stable. In addition there are a mass of ligaments that crisscrossed the sacrum, a triangular bone at the base of the spine. All of which can be strained in many ways and in dozens of places.
  • Injured Muscles – The back consists of hundreds of muscles, including tiny muscles that run vertically from vertebra to vertebra on either side of the spine. Any of these muscles may become strained, irritated and painful.  In addition, when a disc or ligament is damaged, these muscles frequently go into spasm (involuntary contraction) as a protective mechanism to prevent movement that might increase pain or cause further injury.
  • Chronic Muscle Contraction – This is caused by prolonged sitting (desk jobs) and/or repeated bending. Either case the psoas (whose responsibility is to lift the leg or bend the trunk) is constantly contracted. With prolong sitting (ever seen a truck driver get out of his truck and have to take 3 or 4 steps before he straightens up) the contraction of this large structural muscle stretches the opposing muscles in  the back, reducing the natural curve of the back, putting pressure on the discs, all of which can causes pain.
  • Structural Alignment – Misalignment of the spinal cord (as well as the hips, neck and shoulders) is also a common cause for back pain. This may be caused by everyday life, injury, OR strained muscles can also pull the spine out of alignment.
  • Nerves – Impinged nerves (by a bulging or ruptured disc or otherwise) can also cause back pain but is much less common than the scenarios above.

Treatment for Back Pain

  • Rest – The number one recommendation for back pain is REST! Take it easy. Take a break from any strenuous activities.
  • Strengthening – Gentle exercise program to maintain the strength and range of motion of the back. This may include forward bending, lateral stretches and low back exercises – all on a very regular basis. See your medical professional or massage therapist for details.
  • Massage – Therapeutic massage techniques are proven to be incredibly helpful for back pain relief for it releases muscle tension, increases circulation and speeds the healing process. Friction therapy is especially effective for it is applied across the direction of underlying fibers to promote blood flow, prevent adhesions and break up scar tissue.

Whenever you have back pain it is extremely important to consult your medical practitioner, chiropractor or massage therapist. Immediate treatment can short circuit chronic and reoccurring conditions.