Making a Go With Degenerative Disc Back Pain: A Massage Chair Really Helps

By Tom Zalenko

People that have a degenerative disc problem can sometimes suffer from lower back pain. In cases where the cervical discs of the spinal column can degenerate. This condition is referred to as degenerative disc disease and affects close 30% of the population between 30 to 50 years old. The cervical discs begin to come into close contact as the degeneration occurs causing pain and discomfort. In a number of chiropractic clinics, massage chairs are being utilized to provide a natural relief to the discomfort of degenerative disc disease.

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.

Certain activities such as wear and tear, aging and misuse such as smoking can cause degenerative changes to the spinal column. The intervertebral discs are one structure that is susceptible to degenerative changes. The challenge is early detection of these changes. Biochemical and structural changes may occur long before direct visible detection via imaging can be discerned.

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.

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.

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.

Chopping massage chair treatments are also performed where the shoulders and back muscles are targeted. A rapid chopping motion is used to invigorate larger muscles of the back and shoulders. This helps improve blood flow and to release tension that has built up over time. These muscles must take up any slack from the spine, so when degeneration occurs these muscles are also affected. Release of the tension from these areas also helps to restore the balance with the spinal column.

Massage chairs perform a kneading massage treatment to loosen larger muscles. The kneading is a side to side motion. The area of massage is set and the massage chairs will knead the muscles and soft tissues in the assigned area. The speed of the kneading can be varied or an automatic program can be initiated to relax and soothe these major muscle areas.

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.

If you suffer from low back pain, then a massage chair may be just what the doctor ordered. The tremendous convenience of massage chairs is unprecedented. Imagine just sitting back and hitting a button and relief begins. Let the massage chair work over those tired, fatigued and stressed muscles. A massage chair will loosen up those tight areas, flex them to restore flexibility and soothe them with invigorating massage chair therapy. - 29951

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