The therapeutic benefits of massage have earned it a solid reputation. This is due to the profound relaxation it promotes. A good massage session can make you feel relaxed and give you significant pain relief. Massage therapy can be self- administered or performed by a professional.
What is a Herniated Disc?
Diagram of a Herniated Disc The spine disc herniation is caused by a tear in fibers that create a ring around each disc’s outside. The fibrous outer is covered by a soft inner that acts as a cushion against the impact of running, walking, and standing. The soft inner core can be pushed out through the tear just like a hernia does through a tear in a muscle wall.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
Non-surgical spinal compression is an effective option for herniated discs. This therapy involves gently stretching the spine and changing its position. To relieve back pain, spinal decompression therapy uses motorized traction. Non-surgical spinal compression therapy decreases the pressure on your discs by creating negative pressure. Your spine disc pressure can be addressed, and bulging or herniated discs can be withdrawn, removing the pressure that your nerves and other structures were under. Non-surgical spinal compression therapy, which is not invasive, relieves the pressure on your discs and increases healing.
Class IV DIOWAVE Laser Therapy
DIOWAVE Class IV laser therapy is another option to treat herniated disc pain and symptoms. This powerful and innovative treatment penetrates the affected tissues to provide faster healing and natural pain relief.
DIOWAVE Laser Therapy uses photobiostimulation, which is the way our cells respond to light waves. DIOWAVE emits a concentrated amount of light at a predetermined frequency and wavelength. This triggers the body to produce more Adenosine Triphosphate.
ATP is responsible for cellular energy generation. Your body will experience better blood circulation, increased DNA/RNA activity and enhanced collagen production. This will also lead to faster healing.
Cortisone Injections
Cortisone injections can provide long-term pain relief. They are delivered directly to the area of your pain. Anesthesia shots can relieve pain signals that your nerves are constantly sending. Cortisone is known to reduce inflammation and can be used to treat pain. The needle is used for delivering the medication directly to the area.
Massage Therapy
A herniated disc can lead to numbness and weakness as well as stiffness or restricted muscle mobility. Massage therapy can release tightness in muscle tissue that has been caused by nerve compression. This can cause pain in other areas of the body. Massage therapy can help relieve pain and loosen tight muscles caused by nerve compression. After just one treatment, patients experience significant relief from their pain.
Tracking Bulging Discs
Tracking bulging discs that don’t cause symptoms is one way to help your herniated disc. Because it isn’t torn, a bulging disc is different from a herniated disc. If cartilage between your vertebrae extends beyond their normal positions, a bulging disc can be diagnosed. We can prevent discs from bursting or becoming herniated by paying close attention to bulging discs. You can prevent your problem from getting worse by strengthening your core and learning proper ergonomics. Because the lowest back is the most exposed to stress and pressure, lower back pain can often be caused by a bulging disc.
Medically Supervised Weight Loss
A study found that nearly 1/3 of Americans are obese. Musculoskeletal and back pain are very common. Each pound you put on your body puts strain on the ligaments and muscles in your back. The body attempts to compensate for excess weight when you’re overweight. The spine can become stressed and lose its ability to stay upright.
This can lead to an unnatural curvature of the spine, which can result in nerve damage, tissue and spinal injuries, as well as a risk to your spinal structures. Your pelvis can be pulled forward by extra weight, which can cause disc problems and lower back pain. Spine and Sports Therapy Center can help you safely lose the weight that you need and relieve any back pain.
Herniated Discs: Passive Physical Treatments
Deep Tissue Massage: While there are many types of massage available, deep tissue massage is the best. It uses high pressure to release muscle tension and spasms. This prevents muscle movement at the affected area.
Hot and Cold Therapy: Each therapy has its own benefits and your physical therapist might alternate them to achieve the best results.
The heat may be used by your physical therapist to increase blood flow to the area. The blood helps to heal the area by providing extra oxygen and nutrients. Also, blood removes muscle spasm-related waste products.
Cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy: slows down circulation. This can reduce inflammation, pain, and muscle spasms. To cool inflamed tissue, your physical therapist might place an ice pack on the area.
Hydrotherapy: Like its name implies, hydrotherapy is water. Hydrotherapy can be passively done by simply taking a warm bath or sitting in a whirlpool. Hydrotherapy is gentle and relaxing.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: A TENS machine uses electrical currents to stimulate your muscles. Although it sounds very intense, it is not painful. An electrode taped to your skin sends a small electrical current to specific points along the nerve pathway. TENS is believed to reduce muscle spasms. It also triggers the release endorphins which are your body’s natural painkillers.
Traction: This is a technique that reduces the gravity’s effects on the spine. The goal of traction is to reduce disc herniation by gently pulling apart bones. This analogy is similar to a flat tire “disappearing”, when you place a jack underneath the car and release the pressure. You can do it in your cervical or lumbar spine.
Physical Therapy may offer active treatments
Active therapies address flexibility, posture and strength as well as core stability and joint movement. To achieve the best results, an exercise program might be recommended. This will help you not only reduce recurrent pain, but also improve your overall health. Your physical therapist will collaborate with you to create a program that is based on your particular diagnosis and history.
Core stability: Many people don’t realize the importance of a strong core for their spinal health. Your spine is supported by your core (or abdominal) muscles. Your back muscles feel extra pressure if your core muscles are weak. To strengthen your back, your physical therapist might teach you core stabilizing exercise to strengthen it.
Flexibility: Learn proper stretching and flexibility techniques to prepare for strength and aerobic exercises. Flexibility makes it easier for your body to move by eliminating stiffness.
Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is not just sitting in a hot bath or tub like its passive counterpart. Active hydrotherapy can include water aerobics to condition your body and relieve stress.
Muscle strengthening: Strong muscles can be a great support system to your spine and help you manage pain better.
Your physical therapist can teach you how to strengthen and condition your back to prevent future pain. To help you manage your pain, you may be taught self-care techniques. Your ultimate goal is to be able to live a pain-free life.
After your formal physical therapy is over, it’s important to learn how to condition and exercise your back. You won’t be able to benefit from the long-term benefits of physical therapy if you don’t apply the lessons learned. You can prevent more disc pain by taking good care of your spine.
Who can provide massage therapy?
The “smart hands”, which massage therapists use to address problem areas, are highly trained. A massage therapist is not the only one who can provide a great massage. Physical therapists can also be trained in deep massage techniques and manipulation. You can also follow your intuition and massage yourself or direct someone you love. There’s no right or wrong way, as long as you feel relaxed after a massage session.
Benefits of a massage
There are many types of massage. The benefits of all types of massage are the same regardless of their type.
Increases circulation
Increased blood flow can speed up healing of any injury or sore spot. This is good for the muscles surrounding the herniated disc.
Give you a feeling of well-being
It is amazing how powerful human touch can be. Plus, massage rhythms release the body’s endorphins. These hormones increase feelings of well-being and satisfaction, which makes it easier to deal with pain and speed up the healing process.
Reduced stress hormones
Injuries can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and a slowing down of healing. It can cause a long-term, chronic problem in the future.
Relaxation
With a herniated disc injury, muscles tend to become tight and guarded. This can make it difficult to return to your daily activities and can worsen the problem. The best way to treat a herniated disc is to relax.
Increase flexibility
A herniated disc can cause stiffness in the joints and muscles throughout the body. Restoring function and movement can be done by improving movement in the spine, hips, shoulders, and other affected areas.
When is it a good idea to get a massage for a herniated disc?
Massage for a herniated disc can be done for many reasons.
- Soreness and stiffness of the joints and muscles
- Anxiety, stress and depression can all be felt.
- Stiffness and pain can make it difficult to complete daily activities.
- Massage has been a great experience in the past
- Poor pain cycle: Stiffness causes movement avoidance which, in turn, leads to more stiffness and greater pain
- Your sleep quality is being affected by a herniated disc
- One might be a good idea!
What is the best type of massage for a herniated disc?
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage can be a great way to address stubborn, stiff and painful spots. Deep massage is the best technique for stimulating endorphins. Deep massage is used to address specific areas of the muscles or fascia (tough and thick layers of connective tissues that surround and separate the layers from the muscle).
Deep tissue massage can cause soreness. You should not feel any pain or soreness other than your initial symptoms. The symptoms should not get worse. Instead, sore muscles and joints may result from the massage. This is where other modalities can be useful as an adjunct to the healing process.
For additional relief, combine massage with heat, cold, or pain cream.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy addresses specific muscle knots. These are tiny sections of muscle that have become “bunched up” from poor posture, overuse, chronic pain, or other issues. Our muscles are designed to be flexible and able to tolerate tension. They can also stretch as long as they are allowed time to return to their original position. If there is not enough rest or strain, small areas of affected muscles can become a mess of fibers. This reduces blood flow and perpetuates the problem.
For these areas to be addressed, pressure can be applied directly to the muscle knots for a prolonged period of time (typically between 1 and 5 minutes). This is basically a “reset”, for the muscle fibers. The surrounding area will become flooded with blood as the pressure is applied. This will promote better muscle fiber positioning and relaxation. The technique can be self-executed with the right tools provided you are able to relax and remain calm throughout.
Foam Rolling Exercises
Although a massage therapist may occasionally use a foam roller, it is usually a great option for private home or gym massages. A foam roller can be purchased at a low price, or you can find one at your local gym’s mat section. Foam rollers are best for slow, rhythmic movement along large muscle groups, especially those in the legs and lower back. Foam rollers are great for stretching the chest and addressing postural problems.
Hot and cold massage
Both heat and cold therapy can be used to promote relaxation and pain relief. Combining it with massage can make you feel better. Massage therapists may use hot stones or keep the room at a certain temperature. They can also be able to end or begin your session with heat/cold. While heat is generally more tolerable, cold can be a good option for those with a back injury or other conditions that are prone to inflammation. For cost savings and all the benefits, you can use your home tools.
Acupressure
Acupressure, a traditional treatment method, uses fingers, elbows and knees to apply pressure on specific areas of the body. Acupressure is used to treat a herniated disc. The acupressurist will concentrate on pain relief, stress relief, and overall well-being by releasing “energy” and redirecting it in the right direction. Although they are not as focused on specific areas, acupressure mats at home can be used to promote circulation and pain relief through pressure points all over the back. It is worth trying any treatment that promotes circulation.
You can safely practice herniated disc massage
Comfort is the key to massage. Although there may be some discomfort or pain, it is important to remain relaxed. Exercising too much pressure can cause muscle guarding, which can make the problem worse. You should measure your ability to relax to determine what you can do. Massage for a herniated disc is not a “no pain, no gain” situation.
Listen to your body, and you will find that it is not easier than it should be. Pay attention to your spine. Your symptoms can be aggravated if you spend too much time in a flexed position. Also, prolonged sitting can cause stiffness. Use a pillow to prop yourself up. You should discontinue or re-adjust your massage technique or position if it is increasing nerve symptoms such as tingling, shooting pain or muscle strength. Pay attention to your anxiety. This may not be the best option for you if you are unable to relax. You might consider other options, such as physical therapy or chiropractic care for pain relief.
