Coping With Degenerative Disc Back Pain: A Massage Chair Doubtlessly 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.

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 cord is a bundle of nerves that travels from the base of the brain out to the rest of the body. The spinal column itself protects the spinal cord and gives the body flexibility and mobility. Between each of the vertebrae are soft discs. These soft discs are there to cushion the motion between the bones so the bones do not rub directly on each other.

The activities that you undertake directly affect the health of the spine. Smoking can cause biochemical and structural changes to the soft tissue areas causing degeneration. Other activities such as aging, wear and overuse can cause degenerative changes as well. The spine is designed to evenly distribute the weight of the body across the spine. Certain activities can cause the force to be concentrated in a small area like the lower back. If these activities are repeated through time, then degeneration can occur.

As you can see, there are many possible causes that can cause the soft tissues between the discs to deteriorate or lose their vitality. Massage chair therapy is becoming a popular natural treatment to both elongate the soft tissues to help restore flexibility but also for relief of the discomfort with the disease. Often times spinal adjustments are also needed to rebalance the spine and correct its alignment. This along with massage chair treatments help restore the spine.

In general, the pain associated with degenerative disc disease is low back pain. The spinal column carries much of the weight of the body. As activity is undertaken, the physical stress is distributed throughout the spine. Normally, the low back experiences more stress and fatigue. With disc degeneration there is a high incidence of inflammation.

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.

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.

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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