We have all suffered from back pain at some point in our lives. It can be debilitating and depressing at times. Well, the good news is that massage can help relive your back pain and it’s non-invasive and considered very low risk for most people.

The cause of back pain can be caused by strains, sprains, torn muscles due to heavy lifting or sudden movements. Sometimes the facet joints or other structures in the spine become injured or inflamed and this can cause the muscles to spasm. If you have had a sore back for more than 2 weeks this can lead to muscle weakness, which causes more back pain as the back muscles are less able to hold up the spine.

Another key structure in lower back pain is hamstrings. They affect each other in that people with lower back pain tend to develop tight hamstrings and people with tight hamstrings develop lower back pain. Weak abdominal muscles cause hip flexors to tighten causing an increase in the curve of the lower back. Thus, causing an unhealthy posture.

When the muscles in the back are strained or torn the area becomes inflamed causing pain and difficulty moving. Massage can help work out the tension in the muscles by relieving the pain, inflammation and increasing mobility. The main muscles that are related to lower back pain are:

  • The extensor muscles which are attached to the back of the spine and enable standing and lifting objects. These muscles include the large paired muscles in the lower back, called erector spinae, which help hold up the spine, and gluteal muscles.
  • The flexor muscles are attached to the front of the spine and enable flexing, bending forward, lifting, and arching the lower back.
  • The oblique muscles are attached to the sides of the spine and help maintain proper posture.

Remedial Massage on the lower back can stimulate the blood supply, make joints more mobile, and help to repair damaged tissues. The aim is to balance the length, tone and tension of muscles and tendons, which restores the correct position of the bones, increases the blood flow and speeds up the healing process. You also have the added benefit of a sense of well-being and increased endorphin levels aids with stress and anxiety.

Doing back and abdominal exercises help maintain a healthy back as they:

  • Reduce the likelihood of back pain episodes
  • Reduce the severity of back pain
  • Protect against injury by responding efficiently to stressors
  • Help avoid back surgery in some cases
  • Facilitate healing from a back problem or after spinal surgery
  • Improve posture.

For a long-term solution for your back pain, book in some regular massage treatments to resolve the issue. we can work out a maintenance programme including massage and regular exercises so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have a healthy lower back and far less pain in the future. For further information on how we can assist with your back pain please call 9905 9099 or email admin@neurohealthchiro.com.au

By Diana Carolin – Massage Therapist Neurohealth Chiropractic