Combating With Degenerative Disc Back Pain: A Massage Chair Really Helps
Posted on 01. Dec, 2009 by Brian Young in Diet & Nutrition
People that have a degenerative disc problem can sometimes suffer from lower back pain. In cases where the cervical discs of the spinal column can degenerate. This condition is referred to as degenerative disc disease and affects close 30% of the population between 30 to 50 years old. The cervical discs begin to come into close contact as the degeneration occurs causing pain and discomfort. In a number of chiropractic clinics, massage chairs are being utilized to provide a natural relief to the discomfort of degenerative disc disease.
The pain associated with degenerative disc disease is a caused by the bones of the spine coming in closer contact. The spinal column consists of a vertical row of small bones known as discs. They are connected by soft tissue and muscle and the spinal cord runs down the center. The interconnection of the bones allows for the spine to bend and be flexible.
The spinal column provides support for the body and to maintain its mobility. The spinal column also protects the spinal cord which is the bundle of nerves between the base of the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal column has small round bones which are maintained separate by soft discs. The soft discs provide a cushion between the hard surfaces of the cervical discs.
Degeneration of the discs can occur with the wear and tear on the spinal column. This can be caused by aging, misuse or even by smoking. The cervical discs are susceptible to degenerative changes as the stress put on the spine may not be evenly distributed. For example, if you undertake specific activities like weight lifting, you can make small shifts in alignment of your spine which causes the forces to be concentrated in a given area. This can put more degenerative pressure on certain discs or soft tissue areas.
In many of these situations degeneration of the discs can occur. When degeneration of the soft tissues between the discs starts to happen there is usually discomfort and pain. To relieve the pain and to help the affected areas heal, massage chair therapy is used. Usually spinal adjustments are also needed to help redistribute the weight along the rest of the spine. Massage chairs can help with a variety of treatments.
Sufferers of degenerative disc disease experience stiffness, tightness and sometimes sharp pain in the low back. What is occurring is equivalent to a chain. The chain is only as strong as the weakest link. In the case of the spine, the weak link also takes the majority of your weight due to misalignment of the spinal column. This puts even more stress on the soft tissues areas causing them to tire.
Massage chair therapy has been used in two different forms to help relieve the pain associated with degenerative disc disease. A finger press or rolling type of massage is used to alleviate pressure between the discs. Kneading and tapping massages are used to loosen the muscles in and around the spinal column.
Chopping massage chair treatments are also performed where the shoulders and back muscles are targeted. A rapid chopping motion is used to invigorate larger muscles of the back and shoulders. This helps improve blood flow and to release tension that has built up over time. These muscles must take up any slack from the spine, so when degeneration occurs these muscles are also affected. Release of the tension from these areas also helps to restore the balance with the spinal column.
Massage chairs perform a kneading massage treatment to loosen larger muscles. The kneading is a side to side motion. The area of massage is set and the massage chairs will knead the muscles and soft tissues in the assigned area. The speed of the kneading can be varied or an automatic program can be initiated to relax and soothe these major muscle areas.
Degenerative discs disease has many causes and also many therapies to restore the health of the spine. Massage chairs have been found to be a reliable, consistent and convenient method to relieve pain and to help restore flexibility to the soft tissues of the back and shoulders. Check with your medical doctor as to what is appropriate for your situation. Discuss your thoughts about the treatments that can be provided by a massage chairs for periodic relief.
Massage chairs provide an effective massage treatment to help reduce the pain in the lower back. Many massage chairs have incorporated heat therapy, music and even traction systems to provide a range of therapies. All of these are available in the comfort of your home. Imagine that you could get the pain relief you need whenever you want it!
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