Back Pain
- Back Pain
- Back Pain Causes
- Introduction to Chronic Pain
- Chronic Pain
- Fighting Pain
- Medication & Treatment
- All pain is real!
- Pain & Sweets
- Stress & Pain
- Natural Pain Relievers
Exercise
- Abdominal Stretches
- Alexander Works
- Aston Patterning
- Back Stretcher
- Body Rolling
- Bursitis Exercises
- Denise Exercises
- Feldenkrais
- General Exercises
- Gyrotonic
- Hellerwork
- Low Impact Exercises
- Neck Exercises
- Miracle Balls
- Pilates
- Rehabilitation
- Rolfing
- Shiatsu
- Spa Visit
- Strengthening Exercises
- Stretches
- Tai Chi
- Trager
- Water
- Yoga for Scoliosis
- Yoga and Water
Spa visit to reduce back pain
Do you only think of spas as places the rich and famous go for body treatments designed to make them look younger? Think that no more! Today, spas offer everyday people a wide variety of services, many of which can be very beneficial to the health of your spine. If you have never visited a spa, look for one in your area that offers the following:
Massage
The key to a healthy body is good circulation and massage is a great way to increase the flow of blood throughout the body. Massage has become a popular way to relieve muscle tension and spasm, inflammation, fluid retention, aches, stiffness, and pain. Other benefits include improved circulation, flexibility and greater range of motion, and tissue elasticity. Massage therapists use their hands or special tools to knead, rub, and stroke muscles. Sometimes lotion or oil is applied to the skin to reduce friction. If you have mild back pain or occasional stiffness, a massage may be just what you need.
The use of massage for the treatment of low back pain is popular and has a long history of use across a range of cultures. Massage is manipulation of soft tissue (i.e. muscles and fascia) using the hands or a mechanical device, to promote circulation and relaxation of muscle spasm or tension. There are many styles of massage and massage may be provided as a stand-alone treatment or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Despite a lack of methodologically sound trials, it has been accepted that this non-invasive therapy offers several potential benefits:
- Massage therapy affords patients relief without overriding their desire to limit their of use drugs
- Massage therapy is non-addictive compared to pharmaceuticals taken for pain
- Massage therapy is low in cost compared to many prescription drugs
- Massage therapy rarely has adverse effects
A trial testing the effectiveness of massage for chronic low back pain (LBP) showed that massage significantly reduced pain and improved functioning compared to sham laser post-treatment and after one month. Massage combined with exercise and education was significantly better than sham laser on both pain and function.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the 5000-year-old Chinese art of healing that involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific parts of the body called Meridian points. This therapy stimulates and activates the body's immune and healing systems. Acupuncture is used to treat many disorders, including chronic pain, headaches, back, neck, or muscle pain, stress, and arthritis. Be sure to find an acupuncturist who is certified and experienced.
A recent study published in 2005, reviewed 33 articles of acupuncture trials, and concluded that acupuncture is more effective than sham acupuncture and no additional treatment was required for providing short-term relief of chronic low back pain. This short-term relief seems to be sustained long-term; however, a sustained effect has not been established, as long-term follow up data is not yet available. More research is needed to evaluate acupuncture's effect on acute low back pain, and the evidence comparing acupuncture to other active treatments is inconclusive. At this time current estimates of acupuncture's effects on chronic low back pain are preliminary as several large studies are currently ongoing. However, anecdotal evidence supports acupuncture to be a viable adjunct to traditional medicine.
Water Therapy
Hydrotherapy is probably one of the oldest forms of therapy around. Whirlpools, water spas, swimming pools, and even the bathtub are all forms of hydrotherapy.
Water temperature and the speed at which the water moves can help relax tense muscles and relieve swelling (inflammation) and pain. Gentle water exercises using the resistance of the water can also help build strength and flexibility. Just a few minutes of water therapy can do wonders for an occasional bout of back pain.
Hydrotherapy or exercise in water has a long history of use as a treatment for musculoskeletal conditions. Two randomized control trials have evaluated hydrotherapy for chronic low back pain; both found no difference between hydrotherapy and the control treatment. Additional randomized control studies need to be performed to determine the effectiveness of hydrotherapy for low back pain and improvement in general health. However, hydrotherapy currently remains an attractive treatment modality for low back pain to improve aerobic conditioning and initiate spinal stabilizing efforts.
Pilates
While Pilates has been for around a long time, today it is receiving renewed attention. Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that focuses on building a strong body core. Pilates can help to increase spinal range of motion, strengthen abdominal and back muscles, and increase general flexibility. Each exacting Pilates' movement includes the effective use of breathing patterns. This form of exercise is often recommended for people with certain spinal conditions because of its focus on flexibility of the spine and its attention to correct posture. Consult your physician first before initiating a new exercise program, especially if you have had problems with your back.
Exercise may be one of the few effective treatment options to manage chronic low back pain. Many systematic reviews of exercise have concluded that exercise is an effective therapy for chronic low back pain. Yet, the optimal way to implement this treatment is unknown. Pilates is one option to implement exercise effectively and further investigations via randomized control trials are needed.
Yoga
Yoga is an exercise program that includes gentle stretching, controlled breathing, focused concentration, and meditation. Like Pilates, Yoga can be helpful for people who need to increase their flexibility and endurance without the stress on the body of high-impact exercise. Keep in mind, Yoga is not for everyone, so talk to your physician before starting this type of exercise program.
Yoga might be another way to implement exercise and stretching as way of treating chronic low back pain and improve general health. Further, investigation is needed, however anecdotal evidence that yoga is effective in improving flexibility and self-awareness.
Concluding Thoughts
As you can see, a visit to the spa can be very beneficial to people with certain back problems. Of course, you should talk to your physician before starting any new therapy to be sure it will not make your condition worse.