Fighting With Degenerative Disc Back Pain: A Massage Chair Really Helps
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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.
To better understand degenerative disc disease, it is important to know the structure of the spinal column. The spinal column is a long row of small round bones. These small round bones are interconnected by muscles, ligaments and soft tissue which allows the spine to be flexible. As the bones degenerate, slight changes to the alignment of the spine can occur which causes stress on the soft tissues.
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.
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease are low back pain, tightness, and stiffness. This is reflective of the spine carrying and distributing the weight of the body. A weak area in the spine is like the weak link in a chain. The strength of the chain is only as strong as its weakest link. The weak link then takes the majority of the force when misalignments occur. This causes stress, fatigue and inflammation to occur in this area.
The role of the massage chair is two fold. There are treatments for stretching the muscles to restore flexibility and to soothe the muscle to reduce pain. A finger press massage moves slowly up and down the spine flexing each disc. This subtle traction helps to stretch the soft tissues between the discs. For the relief of pain and discomfort, kneading and chopping massages are used to loosen the major back muscles and take pressure off the spine.
The kneading massage treatment is used for the major back and shoulder muscles. Misalignments of the spine cause the distribution of weight to shift which means other muscles have to compensate to maintain the new balance. Relaxation and stretching of the major muscles helps to restore balance and relieve built up tension. As these muscles relax, the pressure from the spine is released.
Kneading and tapping style massages are used to loosen the muscles and connective tissue around the spinal column and the back in general. Pressure tends to concentrate on a few areas in the spinal column with most activities. Loosening up these muscles helps to rebalance the pressure and better redistribute it.
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!
Peruse Massage Chair Reviews of the best brands in massage chairs. Check out reviews about Panasonic, Human Touch, Omega, Sanyo and more. We list our massage chairs by massage technique so you can find the best in class for the massage styles most valuable to you. View our Omega Massage Chairs and many others.
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