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Back Pain

What is pain?
Back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain making it difficult to move. It can start quickly if you fall or lift something too heavy, or it can get worse slowly.

There are two types of pain: acute and chronic.

Acute pain is classified as pain that lasts less than six months. It may be a headache, sprain, sinus, menstrual or injury pain. Usually acute pain has an identifiable cause.

Chronic pain lasts beyond six months either intermittently or as a constant dulling ache usually as a result of injury. Chronic pain is not always identifiable.

Causes of back pain

• Injuries from sprains, fractures, accidents, and falls can result in back pain.
• Mechanical problems with the back itself can cause pain. Examples are: Disc breakdown, Spasms, Tense muscles , Ruptured discs
• Ageing. Back pain is more common the older you get. You may first have back pain when you are 30 to 40 years old.
• Poor physical fitness. Back pain is more common in people who are not fit.
• Being overweight. A diet high in calories and fat can make you gain weight. Too much weight can stress the back and cause pain.
• Medical conditions such as arthritis , pregnancy, infections and diseases
• Work environment. If you have to lift, push, or pull while twisting your spine, you may get back pain. If you work at a desk all day and do not sit up straight, you may also get back pain.
• Smoking. Your body may not be able to get enough nutrients to the discs in your back if you smoke. Smoker’s cough may also cause back pain. People who smoke are slow to heal, so back pain may last longer.

Treatments

• Medication. Pain is harder to ease if left for too long. Your healthcare professional can recommend suitable medication for you. If pain persists or you have not experienced the type of pain before always consult your healthcare practitioner.
• Complimentary therapies Acupuncture and T.E.N.S devices are drug free alternatives for pain relief. T.E.N.S devices stimulate muscle contractions and improve blood circulation. Therapeutic ultra sound uses sound waves can help reduce pain and repair soft tissue.
• Behavioral changes. You can learn to lift, push, and pull with less stress on your back. If you have a job or sporting activity that requires heavy lifting or puts strain on your back try using a traction brace to help provide additional support and ease pressure on the spine.
• Gentle exercise and stretching may be able to help such as walking and continuous passive movement (CPM), is an elevation technique physiotherapists use to reduce pressure on the spine to ease pain.
• Hot and cold packs. Heat packs can help temporarily relieve back, abdominal or menstrual pain. Cold packs can help reduce swelling and inflammation for relief of sports injuries or arthritic pain
• Relax, try massage & meditation.
• Diet. Sometime headaches can be caused by dehydration and lack of sustenance so always make sure you drink plenty of fluids and eat the right foods.

More info www.hometech.co.za

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By: Glen Charles Symes

A good massage can do wonders for relieving tension and back pain, but a therapeutic massage is not always convenient or available. While it is still best to get a massage from a licensed massage therapist, an electronic substitute is now also available that may provide some of the benefits of the human touch—the massage chair.

Most believe massage chairs are a luxury item. A massage chair is certainly not necessary for every day living, or for relieving back pain and neck pain. However, for some, the benefits that a massage chair can bring may outweigh the price.

Benefits of massage therapy and massage chairs

A good hands-on massage can play a crucial role in alleviating back pain. Similarly, a good massage chair is designed to provide some measure of pain relief and relaxation, however, without the need for person-to-person interaction. Getting a massage in the privacy of home, along with convenience and time efficiency, are the major reasons why some are opting to go with a massage chair as a potential means to ease their back pain.

Comprehensive research has demonstrated that there are three central reasons why massage is beneficial:

• Massage improves venous and lymphatic flow—manipulating muscles increases blood flow. Increasing blood flow facilitates the circulation and absorption of nutritional elements into the muscles and tissues. Increasing lymphatic circulation clears toxins out of these areas. Together, this revitalizes the massaged area.
• Massage therapy decreases tension and improves flexibility—massaging helps loosen tight and strained muscles. Stretching and kneading problem areas allow muscles to relax as well.
• Massage therapy increases endorphin levels—possibly the most beneficial aspect of massage. Endorphins are the ‘feel good’ chemicals that run through the body—increasing their levels induces positive results. Among other benefits, increasing endorphin levels has been correlated with quicker recovery, reduced pain, and reduced anxiety.

These benefits of massage work both physically and psychologically to help reduce common symptoms of back pain. Through the study of the human body and analysis of feedback, many massage chair designs have been developed with the goal of achieving similar benefits.

Potential risks and contraindications for massage therapy

In general, any type of massage is non-invasive and considered very low risk. While there aren’t specific contraindications or risks associated with use of massage chairs, in general any of the contraindications to general massage therapy should be followed when using a massage chair.

Contraindications for massage therapy include:

• Infectious skin disease
• A rash
• An unhealed wound
• Immediately after surgery
• A tendency to form blood clots or if using blood thinners
• Circulatory ailments such as phlebitis or varicose veins
• Inflamed or infected injuries
• Areas of bleeding or heavy tissue damage
• At the sites of recent fractures, sprains, or bruises
• Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Osteoporosis (use caution)

History of massage chairs

The massage chair was first introduced to the consumer market in the late 1980’s. Intended to emulate the motions and techniques of an actual masseuse, the goal of the massage chair was to relieve stress, tension, and alleviate back pain. Although massage chairs were initially slow to catch on, after a decade or so, interest in the technology increased, spurring competitors to strive for the most effective models.

Massage therapy techniques

Currently, the most effective massage techniques that massage chairs are designed to try to be like are that of Shiatsu and Swedish massage.

for more information visit http://www.hometech.co.za

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