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.
The pain associated with degenerative disc disease is a caused by the bones of the spine coming in closer contact. The spinal column consists of a vertical row of small bones known as discs. They are connected by soft tissue and muscle and the spinal cord runs down the center. The interconnection of the bones allows for the spine to bend and be flexible.
In the middle of the spinal column runs the spinal cord. The spinal cord connects the nerves from the base of the brain to the entire body. The bones of the spinal column protect the spinal cord and provides the flexibility that we enjoy. The structure of the spinal column consists of the small bones and between the small bones are soft discs. The soft discs provide a shock absorbing function to keep the small bones separate.
The activities that you undertake directly affect the health of the spine. Smoking can cause biochemical and structural changes to the soft tissue areas causing degeneration. Other activities such as aging, wear and overuse can cause degenerative changes as well. The spine is designed to evenly distribute the weight of the body across the spine. Certain activities can cause the force to be concentrated in a small area like the lower back. If these activities are repeated through time, then degeneration can occur.
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.
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease are low back pain, tightness, and stiffness. This is reflective of the spine carrying and distributing the weight of the body. A weak area in the spine is like the weak link in a chain. The strength of the chain is only as strong as its weakest link. The weak link then takes the majority of the force when misalignments occur. This causes stress, fatigue and inflammation to occur in this area.
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.
The finger press massage puts pressure on each vertebra in the spinal column. This small movement helps to stretch and elongate the soft tissue and muscles around the disc. The rolling is performed up and down the spinal column, disc by disc. This helps to reduce pressure and uneven stress on the spinal column.
Kneading and tapping style massages are used to loosen the muscles and connective tissue around the spinal column and the back in general. Pressure tends to concentrate on a few areas in the spinal column with most activities. Loosening up these muscles helps to rebalance the pressure and better redistribute it.
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.
Massage chairs provide an effective massage treatment to help reduce the pain in the lower back. Many massage chairs have incorporated heat therapy, music and even traction systems to provide a range of therapies. All of these are available in the comfort of your home. Imagine that you could get the pain relief you need whenever you want it!
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