Best For Sore Muscle: Lifepro Sonic Percussion Massage Gun
Your entire body will be grateful for this high-speed massage gun: It deeply penetrates muscles with up to 3,000 strokes per minute for a targeted therapy that relieves sore muscles and joints post-workout. Depending on your body aches, you can select either a rounded head for muscles, a spinal head for back issues, a flat head for deep tissue penetration, or a bullet head for targeting joints or trigger points. Deemed a “lifesaver” by one of the 6,400 five-star reviewers, its motor is also extremely quiet and lasts up to six hours off a single charge.
Available at , $100
Muscles Involved In Lower Back Pain
Before you schedule your massage appointment, it’s important to understand which muscles most contribute to lower back pain. After all, if your masseuse doesn’t target the correct muscles, you won’t get the maximum benefit from your session.
For many people, two separate muscles play the biggest role in back pain: the quadratus lumborum and the gluteus medius.
The quadratus lumborum, which connects the lower most rib to your pelvis, commonly causes lower back pain. This muscle is often strained by activities that engage your lower body while keeping your upper body still. These activities may include:
- Lifting while leaning over
- Poor sitting posture in a chair
- Running on uneven surfaces
The second muscle often responsible for lower back pain is the gluteus medius. The gluteus medius, located on the outer surface of the pelvic bone, helps stabilize and align your pelvis. When the quadratus lumborum muscle is strained or irritated, the gluteus medius muscle tries to compensate. In many cases, this compensation then strains the gluteus medius, leading to more pain.
Zyllion Shiatsu Back And Neck Massager
- Distinguishing features: This pillow has three deep tissue massagers that can be used to target smaller areas like the lower back or between the shoulder blades. Massagers automatically change direction. While this product can only treat one area at a time, its praised for reaching into the contours of your body. Theres no option to adjust intensity, but the device comes with a padded cover for a gentle massage. Theres also a model with eight deep tissue massagers.
- Target areas treated: back, neck, shoulders, abdomen, legs, calf, thigh
- Safety: auto shut-off for heat and overheating protection
- Usability and versatility: This device can be moved to different parts of the body. An adjustable strap allows you to secure the device where you need it, and it comes with a car adapter for portability.
- Reviews: almost 44,000 reviews, with 73 percent 5 stars
- Cons: This device can only treat one area at a time, and it must be plugged in to use. Intensity level can only be adjusted with a removable sleeve.
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When Massage Doesn’t Work
Despite your therapist’s best efforts, massage alone may not be enough to provide complete relief from lower back pain. Depending on the massage technique for lower back pain your masseuse uses, you may only receive partial pain relief. So what do you do when you still have pain?
If deep tissue massage for lower back pain doesn’t help, the next best step is a conversation with a physician. Doctors who specialize in spinal health may recommend certain diagnostic tests to determine whether your pain is caused by simple muscle strain or by another, more serious problem. If another cause is the culprit, your doctor can suggest medical treatments that may provide pain relief.
Massage can be very effective in reducing lower back pain, but it’s important to let your massage therapist know this is your goal for treatment. Focusing on the lower back, especially the muscles most commonly responsible for lower back pain, may be the best way for you to experience the most relief of your symptoms.
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Getting The Right Massage For Low Back Pain
Massage therapy can provide substantial healing and pain relief for many lower back problems. Specifically, for pain caused by a back strain, when the correct muscle is targeted, the pain can be controlled at its sourcefor quicker and lasting relief.
A skilled massage therapist can provide substantial back pain healing. ReadMassage Therapy for Lower Back Pain
Two major musclesthe quadratus lumborum1 and the gluteus medius 2 play an important role in stabilizing and supporting your lower back and hips. When there is a change in the biomechanics of these muscles due to strain or fatigue, several problems, such as lower back pain, stiffness, and/or decreased mobility can occur.
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How Does Massage Help Lower Back Pain
Since most lower back pain is caused by stressed or strained muscles, it makes sense that any treatment that helps to boost circulation and loosen ligaments can help to reduce and even eradicate pain.
Massage can help lower back pain by improving blood circulation. When blood circulation is improved, muscles and ligaments are receiving a healthy supply of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to relaxed muscles, greater mobility, and reduced pain.
Massage can manage lower back pain in a number of ways. From physical and mental relaxation to pain prevention & management massage is a holistic approach to relieving lower back pain and improving quality of life.
Lower back massage uses different techniques to target painful trigger points and reduce tension in the muscles. These methods and modalities can include both trigger point massage and relaxation massage, depending on the cause and severity of the pain.
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Which Areas Of The Body Are The Best To Work With
During your massage therapy your therapist may focus on certain areas. These are called perfect spots.
One of the best ones for sciatica pain relief is known as Perfect Spot Number 6. This spot is in the gluteus medius and minimus muscles, two muscles that overlap on the side of the hip and leg. Many people who get a massage are told they have sciatica, even when the pain is just coming from these muscles. Either way, massage in this area will feel great.
Perfect Spot Number 12 is located on the gluteus maximus muscle, below the lowest portion of the lower back. When your massage therapist focuses on this area, you will feel relief from sciatica pain as well as sore muscles.
Perfect Spot Number 13 isnt known for creating surprising relief like Number 12, but it is also important. Many people feel pain in this area of the lower back along the sides of the spine.
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Mononeuropathies Of The Leg
Mononeuropathies can affect nerves in the legs, arms, or other parts of the body. Mononeuropathy means a single nerve or nerve group has been damaged, for example, by a lesion that has developed along a nerve or group of nerves. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a good example of a mononeuropathy, in this case, affecting the wrist area. With mononeuropathy symptoms may be sudden or may develop slowly . Some of the more common mononeuropathies are
- femoral neuropathy
- peroneal neuropathy .
- tibial neuropathy .
Symptoms of the neuropathies above would include burning sensation in leg areas where these nerves are housed as well as lack of coordination of these leg muscles. Other symptoms include muscle wasting, pain, and twitching, cramps, and spasms in these nerves. Treatment focuses on isolating the underlying cause of the nerve disorder and addressing it using medications such as injected glucocorticoids and/or physical
What Does The Research Say About Massage And Low Back Pain
Research on massage and low back pain is promising so far, but its still a bit limited. And while it appears to offer relief in many low back pain situations, researchers are still working to understand which types of massage are best for which issues.
Heres what two studies had to say about massage and low back pain:
- A 2020 study looking at complementary therapies for chronic low back pain found that massage therapy helped patients report better outcomes in pain and related symptoms.
- Another smaller study from 2014 examined massage combined with stretches and stabilizing exercises for women with sub-acute or chronic nonspecific low back pain. The women who received massage therapy showed significant improvements in their pain and range of motion after ten sessions. In other words, massage seemed to provide remarkable benefits.
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How Can Massage Therapy Treat Your Chronic Pain
Lets explore the history of massage, the variety of massage techniques available, and most importantly, how massage can treat your chronic pain!
Ann-Marie Darcy-Sharpe& nbsp& nbspAuthorFebruary 21, 2020
Massage therapy plays a significant part in many pain management approaches. Massage is commonly used to treat a wide variety of health conditions and can provide some really positive results for chronic pain patients. Massage therapy is defined as, patterned and purposeful manipulation of soft-tissue for therapeutic purposes to prevent or reduce pain, spasm, tension or stress and to promote health and wellness,as this 2019 study explains.
Benefits Of Hip Massage Therapy
Not all injuries or scenarios benefit from massage therapy, however, many there are many people who get great results from regular massage. Here is a list of the potential benefits:
- Increased blood circulation to promote healing of the injured tissues
- Better lower body in the hamstrings, quads, glute, and hip muscles for alignment and improved coordination with daily activities
- Improved hip range of motion for better tolerance for weight-bearing activities
- Increased feelings of well-being secondary to the release of feel good hormones
- A great adjunct to other treatment options like foam rolling, hip exercises, and hip flexor stretching.
- Better quality of life and relaxation
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Can Lower Quality Mattress Cause Lower Back Pain
A mattress is one of the principal means by which people achieve comfort while sleeping. It, therefore, plays an important role in ensuring that people enjoy a good nights sleep. However, a mattress can also cause lower back pain if it is not of the proper firmness or in good condition.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to lower back pain, including improper spinal alignment, sleeping on a mattress that is too soft or too hard, and sleeping on a mattress that is in poor condition. Body shape also plays a role in determining the most appropriate sleeping position. People who are overweight may need to sleep on their side to prevent their stomach from putting pressure on their back, while people who are pregnant may need to sleep on their left side to prevent compression of the vena cava.
There is no single sleeping position that is best for all people with lower back pain. However, sleeping on your side with a firm mattress is generally considered to be the most appropriate option. This position helps to maintain proper spinal alignment and prevents pressure from being placed on your back.
If you are overweight, you may need to sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees to prevent your stomach from putting pressure on your back. If you are pregnant, you should sleep on your left side with a pillow under your stomach and another pillow between your knees to prevent compression of the vena cava.
Best Pain Relief Cream: Tiger Balm Neck And Shoulder Rub
- Temporary solution
- Minty smell can be overwhelming
Tiger Balm cream brings us back to the days of college intramural sport injuries â lather up with the heating-and-cooling cream and forge ahead. Like heating pads, creams serve a purpose but those with heating properties should be reserved after that acute inflammatory period, Dr. Danshaw says.
Tiger Balm Neck and Shoulder Rub uses herbal ingredients to provide warming and cooling sensation.
âBuy it:â $20.65, Walmart $14,
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What Are Some Usual Lower Neck And Back Pain Causes
The origin of lower back ache are often considered as being mechanical, all-natural or idiopathic. Often back problems are hereditary or obtained indicating the trouble establishes later on in life.
Mechanical lower neck and back pain is frequently brought on by spinal activity as well as also involves spine frameworks, such as the aspect joints, intervertebral discs, vertebral bodies , tendons, muscle mass or soft tissues.
Organic lower neck and back pain is credited to ailment, such as back cancer.
Idiopathic refers to an unidentified reason.
These are a few of points your doctor can attempt to rule or locate out when you organize a browse through for back discomfort.
Sprains and also stress and anxiety. Tendon strains in addition to muscular tissue or tendon strains are just one of one of the most common root causes of lower back discomfort. Theyre often related to overuse.
Degenerative disc condition. While the name appears anxious, it simply shows you have really a weakened disc creating discomfort.
In time, discs end up being thinner in addition to flatter because of damage. That leaves them much less able to sustain the vertebrae as well as even more probable to tear .
The safety covering on intervertebral discs can tear in time. The soft inner disc cells may push via the external layer when this happens. A disc that slides or extends misplaced is described as a herniated disc, protruding disc, or moved disc.
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Whats The Best Massage For Lower Back Pain
Question: Ive been having a dull ache in my lower back for the past couple of weeks. I went to a chiropractor, but he said theres no problems with my spine. I thought maybe it was related to the fact that I sit at a desk all day. Ive been reading a lot lately about standing desks, so I thought I would try one out, but that didnt really help the problem. If anything, it got worse. Is there a specific massage out there that could help me?
Answer:In recent years, the medical establishment has warmed to the use of massage therapy as effective treatment for chronic back pain. The treatment is non-invasive, and you can get a massage in the comfort of your own home, at a time that is convenient for you. While getting a massage may not necessarily eliminate or cure your back pain, in most cases it wont make the problem worse and may even offer you significant relief.
Chronic low-back pain affects nearly 80 percent of all adults at some point in their lives. Most low-back pain is triggered by a specific injury or issue, and goes away in a few weeks without medical or therapeutic intervention. But if your pain persists, or gets worse, you may need further treatment to alleviate the problem.
Spine Health: Can Massage Help Your Back Problem? https://www.spine-health.com/wellness/massage-therapy/can-massage-help-your-back-problem
Ready to book your massage?
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Homedics Percussion Action Plus Handheld Massager
- Distinguishing features: This handheld percussion device has two dual headsets for a firm or soft massage. It has four speeds that control the intensity. The massager has an optional heat option to soothe aching muscles and enhance relaxation.
- Target areas treated: anywhere
- Safety: 15-minute auto shut-off
- Usability and versatility: The double heads allow you to massage both sides of your spine at once. The long handle makes it easy to reach most body areas.
- Reviews: more than 18,000 reviews, with 68 percent 5 stars
- Cons: A few reviewers complain that the massager doesnt get hot enough, while others say it overheats. Other reviews report that its too heavy and noisy.
Sciatica Calf Pain Relief
There are a number of ways to find relief from sciatica calf pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation. Ice and heat therapy can also help to reduce pain and swelling. For more severe pain, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications or recommend physical therapy. If your pain is caused by a herniated disc or other spine problem, your doctor may recommend surgery to correct the problem.
Sciatica is a shooting pain in the lower back that causes a range of symptoms, including numbness and weakness in the buttock and back of one leg. Herniated discs, bone spurs, or muscle strains are frequently the source of sciatic nerve pain. Leg pain can affect your feet in a variety of ways, ranging from mild to severe. Joint problems in the hip and sacroiliac joints may also cause leg pain. Rest, ice or heat, massage, pain relievers, and gentle stretching are frequently recommended for the treatment of sciatica. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs taken at home can also help with pain relief. By using steroids, it is possible to reduce swelling and inflammation in the nerves.
Unless you have weak muscles, a disc herniation, or a condition known as cauda equina syndrome, surgery is rarely necessary. People with stenosis may benefit from a decompression of the nerves. When regular job duties become impossible at the start of the work cycle, modified duties may be prescribed.
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What Is The Best Massage To Get For Back Pain
The best massage for back pain depends on several factors, including:
- the type of pain the person is experiencing
- how long the person has had the pain
- the type of massage therapy the personâs healthcare professional has suggested
- whether the person prefers a massage cushion, a handheld massager, or a wearable device
