Enduring With Degenerative Disc Back Pain: A Massage Chair Undeniably Helps
A degenerative disc problem in the spinal column can cause lower back pain. There are sometimes changes to the discs from what is termed degenerative disc disease. This condition is estimated to affect up to 30% of those in the age range of 30 to 50 years old. As the disc degenerates, the vertebrae come in closer contact causing pain. To relieve some of the pain associated with degenerative disc disease, massage chairs have been used successfully.
Why does the pain occur? Let us look at the structure of the spinal column. The spinal column is a vertical row of small round bones that are interconnected. The interconnection provides the ability for the spine to articulate or bend. Down the middle these round bones or vertebrae runs the spinal cord.
In the middle of the spinal column runs the spinal cord. The spinal cord connects the nerves from the base of the brain to the entire body. The bones of the spinal column protect the spinal cord and provides the flexibility that we enjoy. The structure of the spinal column consists of the small bones and between the small bones are soft discs. The soft discs provide a shock absorbing function to keep the small bones separate.
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.
Therefore, some deterioration may occur. The deterioration of the soft tissue separating the vertebrae is reported to cause dull or sharp pains. Massage therapy has been used in conjunction with chiropractic adjustments to help reduce the friction. This also helps to reduce the associated pain between the degenerated discs.
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.
The finger press massage puts pressure on each vertebra in the spinal column. This small movement helps to stretch and elongate the soft tissue and muscles around the disc. The rolling is performed up and down the spinal column, disc by disc. This helps to reduce pressure and uneven stress on the spinal column.
Massage chairs perform an invigorating tapping massage. The tapping massage is a rapid succession of quick little blows. The rollers gently invigorate the muscles and loosen up the soft tissue areas. This can help improve blood flow and to relax a muscle group. When the spine is misaligned, then the other muscles must pick up the slack. In addition to their normal load, they must also carry extra weight from a misaligned spine. The tapping massage helps to reduce this tension.
Massage chair therapy can provide some significant benefits to certain conditions of degenerative discs disease. As with any medical condition, you need to consult with your medical professional and find what treatments are right for your situation. Massage chairs are a convenient and practical natural remedy for many of the symptoms and recovery procedures of the back and shoulders. If you suffer from this condition, you understand the need for periodic relief which massage chairs can certainly provide effectively.
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!
