Pain in the back, lower back, neck or nape of the neck, as well as tense muscles are among the most frequently reported complaints. In order to enjoy the good condition of your back for as long as possible and to prevent potential problems in the future, it’s worth leading a healthy lifestyle and eliminating bad habits. A massage chair can certainly help, as explained in the article below.
Table of contents:
- Causes of muscle tension and back pain
- Back massage in a massage chair
- Relaxation of tense muscles and other benefits of back massage in a massage chair
- Spinal degeneration and massage in the massage chair
Causes of muscle tension and back pain
Muscle tension in the body can have a number of different causes. Of course, it can be degenerative in nature and the underlying cause can be trauma, illness or injury, but just as often it’s due to bad habits, often developed over an extended period of time. The most common ones include:
- adopting an incorrect sitting position and remaining seated for long periods of time. If you notoriously sit unergonomically at a desk or spend long hours behind the wheel, sooner or later you’re bound to develop back, neck and spinal problems,
- sleeping on a worn out or improperly selected mattress. Mattresses often develop depressions that strain the spine, resulting in painful discomfort especially upon waking up,
- sedentary lifestyle. Our muscles are not exercised properly due to the lack of any activity, resulting in painful strains,
- walking in high-heeled shoes or, in the case of men, in over-used footwear that cause the foot to be malpositioned. Wearing improperly shaped shoes on a daily basis forces the spine to bend in the lumbar region and constantly work to maintain balance, leading to straining,
- and perhaps most importantly, not being able to rest effectively. Persistent chronic stress puts our body in the state of constant tension and causes less blood to reach the muscles.
If you wish to reduce pain and prevent possible future problems, it’s advisable to look after yourself and your loved ones and introduce healthier lifestyle and a few good habits, such as a balanced diet, the correct working position at your desk and regular massage.
Back massage in a massage chair
There is a mechanical massage system in the backrest of the massage chair that features massaging arms that move up and down the spine from the neck to the hips, imitating the movements of the human hand as well as massage techniques. There are usually 5 manual programmes to choose from. You can benefit from muscle pounding and tapping along the spine, as well as waving and rolling, the movement of the massaging arms against the spine is intended to prepare the muscles for stronger massages. The most popular technique, however, is kneading. Circular movements on both sides of the spine distribute nutrients to the spine, as well as reduce tension and muscle pain. These are, of course, just a few of the benefits offered by massage in a massage chair. When used regularly, it results In a multitude of benefits for your back and spine.
Relaxation of tense muscles and other benefits of back massage in a massage chair
When used regularly, massage will take care of the health of the spine mainly through muscle relaxation and the elimination of tension. The movement of the massaging arms will bring relief, strengthen tense back muscles and relieve stress on the tired spine. However, a massage session is associated with numerous other benefits as well. The body becomes supple and its flexibility increases. In addition, massage has both a relaxing and de-stressing effect, reducing stress and making it easier to fall asleep.
Furthermore, in the vast majority of models, the massage begins with a scan. By scanning the spine, the massage chair marks the relevant curves and adjusts to your height. This makes it possible to tailor the massage to the spine with great precision. One of the most important advantages of such a massage is the elimination of strain that occurs, for instance, when working at a desk. The sedentary position is the one that puts the most strain on the spine. The pressure on the lumbar spine can reach up to 140 kilograms! This is why most massage chairs can be reclined, and more advanced models come with the Zero Gravity function. In this position, which is considered to be the most comfortable for massage, the knees are at heart level, which allows maximum pressure relief not only for the spine, but also for most joints.
Another noteworthy feature is the heating, which can be used in a number of models. Heating with infrared rays aims to warm deep tissues, amplify the relaxation effect and also relieve muscle pain.
Spinal degeneration and massage in the massage chair
Spinal degeneration is by far one of the most common causes of pain, affecting an increasing proportion of the population. Osteoarthritis is predominantly characterised by premature deterioration and eventual deformation of the vertebrae. Its most common causes include age, excessive weight, postural defects and sedentary lifestyle. Although we don’t notice symptoms at first, as the disease progresses, pain, muscle stiffness, reduced mobility or, in the most advanced cases, even neurological conditions appear. Also, degenerative diseases often contribute to changes in the body’s anatomy and those occurring in the bones themselves.
Consequently, spinal degeneration is among the most frequently mentioned contraindications for massage in a massage chair. Massage, either to relieve pain or to act preventively, is best left to the massage therapist, who will be able to assess a person’s health condition and select the massage method accordingly. However, a massage chair can complement such physiotherapy. Beforehand, however, it’s necessary to consult and agree on the appropriate use of the massage chair with a rehabilitation therapist, physiotherapist or massage therapist.
As you see, leading a healthy lifestyle and even the slightest change of habits accompanied by the introduction of new ones, such as regular physical activity or massage in a massage chair, can help to combat back, neck and spinal pain. The most important thing is to prevent rather than cure. So if you’re thinking about a massage chair, take a look at our product range, and if you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
