Back pain is a far-too common struggle, affecting a large swathe of the Australian population. In 2017-2018, around 4 million people in Australia experienced some form of back trouble. Whether it’s a nagging ache or sharp pain, back issues can really get in the way of enjoying life.
But there’s hope! Several strategies can help you to manage and relieve your back pain, including exercise, postural correction and pain relievers. One stand-out natural approach to this issue is remedial massage. Remedial massage therapy targets your specific areas of tension within your muscles and soft tissues to help ease discomfort and improve your overall well-being.
Back pain
Back pain refers to any discomfort or pain experienced in the region of the back, ranging right the way from the neck down to the buttocks. It can vary widely in intensity, duration and location, and affects different individuals in different ways. Back pain can be acute, meaning it comes on suddenly and lasts for a short period, or it can be chronic, persisting for months or even years.
Common types of back pain (based on location)
Upper back pain: This kind of discomfort usually happens between your neck and the base of your rib cage. It can be caused by slouching, straining your muscles from repetitive movements or getting injured.
Mid-back pain: It’s not as common as upper or lower back pain, but it can still happen. It might feel like aching or stiffness in the area between your lower ribs and the bottom of your neck. It could happen because of strain, an injury or problems with your spine.
Lower back pain: This is the most common type of back pain. You might feel it in the area between your rib cage and your pelvis. Lots of things can cause it, like straining your muscles, problems with the discs in your spine, arthritis or sciatica.
Sciatica: If you have sciatica, you’ll feel pain that goes down the back of your leg. It’s usually because something is pressing on your sciatic nerve, like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
Causes of back pain
Muscle strain: Overexertion, sudden movements or poor posture can strain the muscles in the back, leading to pain and discomfort.
Ligament sprain: Ligaments, which connect bones to each other, can become stretched or torn, causing pain and instability in the back.
Structural problems: Issues such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) or degenerative disc disease can put pressure on nerves and cause back pain.
Underlying conditions: Conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis or scoliosis can contribute to back pain by affecting the structure and function of the spine.
Poor posture: Prolonged sitting, standing or bending in awkward positions can strain the muscles and ligaments of the back, leading to pain over time.
Lifestyle factors
Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of regular physical activity weakens the muscles supporting the spine, making it more susceptible to injury and pain.
Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts added stress on the spine, increasing the risk of developing back pain and exacerbating existing conditions.
Smoking: Smoking can impair blood flow to the spine and inhibit the body’s ability to repair damaged tissues, contributing to back pain and slower recovery from injuries.
Stress: Emotional stress and tension can cause muscles in the back to tighten, leading to stiffness and discomfort.
Occupational hazards: Jobs that involve heavy lifting, repetitive motions or prolonged sitting without proper ergonomic support can strain the back and lead to pain and injury.
Symptoms of back pain
Localised pain: Pain may be felt in specific areas of the back, such as the lower back (lumbar region), upper back (thoracic region) or neck (cervical region).
Radiating pain: Pain may radiate to other parts of the body, such as the hips, buttocks or legs, especially if nerves are involved.
Stiffness and limited mobility: Back pain can make it difficult to bend, twist, or perform everyday activities, leading to stiffness and reduced range of motion.
Muscle tension: The muscles in the back may feel tight, knotted or tender to the touch.
Numbness or tingling: In cases where nerves are compressed or irritated, individuals may experience sensations of numbness, tingling or weakness in the affected area.
Remedial massage for back pain
Remedial massage has become a go-to option for relieving back pain. This specialised massage focuses on easing tension and treating issues in the muscles and soft tissues of your back. Using methods like deep tissue massage and trigger point therapy, it can reduce pain, loosen muscles, and boost your ability to move around comfortably.
Benefits of remedial massage for back pain
Incorporating remedial massage into your back pain management routine offers many benefits. When you go for remedial massage therapy, you can expect some of the following:
Pain relief: Remedial massage helps to release tight muscles and alleviate pain, providing immediate relief from discomfort.
Improved flexibility: By targeting areas of restricted movement, remedial massage can enhance flexibility and range of motion in the back and surrounding structures.
Stress reduction: Massage therapy promotes relaxation and reduces stress levels, which can help alleviate tension-related back pain.
Enhanced circulation: The kneading and manipulation techniques used in remedial massage stimulate blood flow to the affected area, promoting healing and tissue repair.
Postural correction: Remedial massage can help identify and address postural imbalances that contribute to back pain, promoting better alignment and spinal health.
Is remedial massage right for you?
If your back is bothering you, getting a remedial massage could help ease the pain and get you on the road to feeling better. But it’s important to talk to a qualified massage therapist or healthcare professional first to figure out the best way to treat your back. They can work with you to come up with a plan that might include massage therapy, exercise, stretching and ergonomic adjustments.
Don’t let back pain hold you back
Back problems are highly prevalent in Australia,, and the pain they cause can be debilitating.. However, with the right approach to treatment, you can find targeted relief which improves your overall wellbeing. Remedial massage offers a natural and effective solution for managing back pain, providing relief from discomfort and promoting health. Adding remedial massage to your healthcare routine could be a great step towards enjoying your life with peace and happiness.