Back pain can arise for a number of reasons – heavy lifting, bad posture, sitting down too much, etc. For some, it may be temporary, while many others are living with chronic back pain. If you’re looking for an alternative to pain medication, then massage could be the solution. Here are some of the best types of massage to try for your back pain.
The best massage for lower back pain
Lower back pain is probably the most common type of back pain that the average person suffers. It can have a number of different causes, some activity and posture-related and others indicating more serious problems. While the typical Swedish and deep tissue massages are good for relief from back pain, a particularly effective technique for lower back pain is Shiatsu massage.
Shiatsu massage applies pressure to different parts of the body in a rhythmic sequence. It is extremely soothing and relaxing, providing you with long-lasting effects. It focuses on the body’s meridians to promote the flow of healing energy throughout the body. Studies have found shiatsu massage to be extremely effective at treating lower back pain.
The best massage for upper back pain
Upper back pain is often caused by slumping over a desk or laptop and is often linked with neck and shoulder pain, too. One of the best types of massage for this type of pain is trigger point therapy. Upper back pain may be a result of knots developing in the area around and in between your shoulder blades. Trigger point therapy can target these knots to work through the fibers causing the pain and tension.
Alternatively, deep tissue massage can be another effective upper back treatment, as can acupuncture and acupressure.
What else you can do
Alongside massage for back pain, it’s important to get plenty of rest to let your muscles recover. If you do a lot of heavy lifting, try to take it easy for a few days if possible. Also, watch your posture, especially while sitting and lifting, as this can be a big contributor towards back pain. After a massage, stay well-hydrated will help to boost the effects of the massage. Pain medication can be used in conjunction with massage, but it should not be relied on and can cause problems when used over long periods of time.
If you suffer from back pain, then why not try a massage from Moonstone Massage in Winston Salem, NC. Get in touch to inquire or book a massage.