Back pain, lower back pain, neck or nape pain, as well as tense muscles are among the most commonly reported complaints. To enjoy good back condition for as long as possible and prevent potential future problems, it is advisable to lead a healthy lifestyle and eliminate 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 a 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.
SPINAL MASSAGE IN A MASSAGE CHAIR
All chairs for spinal massage have in the base of the massage chair – massaging arms that move up and down the spine from the neck to the buttocks or thighs (the length of SL-shape depends on the model), hips, immitating the movements of human hands and massage techniques.In less advanced models, there are 3-5 techniques to choose from, while the most elaborate models have even 12. 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. An important issue is the answer to the question – how often to perform spine massage? In the case of massage chairs, it is best to use it twice a day. Regular massage in a chair brings many benefits to the condition of the back. When used regularly, it results In a multitude of benefits for your back and spine.
Relaxation of tense muscles and other benefits of spinal 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. Office workers often wonder how to relieve lower back pain. The pressure on the lumbar spine can reach up to 140 kilograms! One of the solutions is to use a massage chair during a break from work. 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.
It is worth mentioning a model that is not without reason referred to as the “nexk muscle regeneration specialist” – namely, the Bodyfriend Phantom Care. It is equipped with PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) placed between the massage balls, a special headrest for stabilizing the neck and head, as well as automatic programs composed with the regeneration of the neck segment in mind.Regular massage in the Phantom Care chair can be a good way to alleviate neck 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.
Therefore, spinal degeneration or a heart pacemaker are among the most frequently mentioned contraindications for massage in a massage chair. Massage, intended to relieve pain or act preventively, is best left to a masseuse who will be able to assess the health condition of the person and choose the appropriate massage technique. However, a spine massage chair can complement such rehabilitation. Prior consultation and agreement on the appropriate way of using the massage chair with a rehabilitator, physiotherapist, or masseuse are necessary.
As you can see, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and making small changes, like regular physical activity or using a massage chair, can help combat back, neck, and spine pain. If you’re wondering how to relieve lower back pain, consider massage as it effectively relaxes tense muscles and brings relief not only to the lower back but also to the entire spine. Massage chairs can be an excellent solution, supporting recovery and enhancing comfort. Check out our offer, and if you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Sources:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity ↩︎
https://www.aaos.org/aaos-home/newsroom/press-releases/ouch-my-back-3-tips-to-reduce-lower-back-pain-for-the-hybrid-worker/ ↩︎
https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/index.html ↩︎
