Lower back pain is a common ailment that affects millions of people worldwide. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 80% of adults will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. When lower back pain strikes, many people turn to massage and heat as a form of relief. However, while these methods may provide temporary relief, they are not always the best form of care for lower back pain. In this blog post, we will explore why.
Massage therapy is often touted as a natural way to relieve lower back pain. The theory behind massage therapy is that it helps to increase blood flow to the affected area, which can reduce inflammation and promote healing. While massage therapy can be beneficial in some cases, it is not always the best form of care for lower back pain.
Firstly, massage therapy can be costly and time-consuming. Depending on the severity of your lower back pain, you may need multiple sessions to experience any significant relief. This can quickly add up in terms of both time and money. Additionally, massage therapy may not be covered by your health insurance, making it even more expensive.
Secondly, massage therapy can be painful. While some people find the pressure of massage therapy soothing, others find it uncomfortable or even painful. If you have chronic lower back pain, massage therapy may exacerbate your symptoms rather than alleviate them.
Heat therapy is another common method of relieving lower back pain. The theory behind heat therapy is that it helps to increase blood flow to the affected area, which can reduce inflammation and promote healing. While heat therapy can provide temporary relief, it is not always the best form of care for lower back pain.
One of the main issues with heat therapy is that it can mask the underlying cause of your lower back pain. If you have a serious condition such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, heat therapy may provide temporary relief but it will not address the underlying issue.
Additionally, heat therapy can be dangerous if not used correctly. If you apply heat therapy for too long or at too high a temperature, it can lead to burns or other injuries.
So what is the best form of care for lower back pain? The answer often lies in physical therapy. Physical therapy is a form of treatment that focuses on improving movement, reducing pain, and restoring function. Unlike massage therapy and heat therapy, physical therapy targets the underlying cause of your pain.
At Vital Rehab, will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that may include exercises, stretches, and other techniques to help reduce your pain and improve your mobility. We will also help you develop good habits and improve your posture to prevent future lower back pain.
Research has shown that physical therapy can be highly effective in treating lower back pain. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that physical therapy was just as effective as surgery in treating lower back pain caused by a herniated disc.
See how we treat our lower back patients, and sign up for our free lower back pain relief guide today!
