The lower back, also called the lumbar region, is the area of the back that starts below the ribcage. Almost everyone has lower back pain at some point in life. It’s one of the top causes of missed work in the U.S. Fortunately, it often gets better on its own, but when it doesn’t, your doctor may be able to help with several effective treatments and you could also opt for lower back pain massage.
There are two types of back pain, and they are measured by the length of time you experience pain. Acute back pain resolves within a three-month time period, and 90 percent of those with acute back pain have it for only a week or two. The other form of back pain is chronic back pain, which lasts longer than three months.
Causes Of Back Pain Include:
- Falling
- Lifting heavy objects
- Straining a muscle or spraining a ligament
- Having poor posture
- Living a sedentary lifestyle
- Not exercising
- Sitting for too long
- Bending your back forward when engaged in prolonged activities
Some of these causes can lead to health conditions that trigger back pain, or the conditions themselves may lead to lower back pain, including:-
- Bulged, ruptured, or degenerative discs in your spine
- Arthritis
- Skeletal irregularities
- Osteoporosis
About Massage Therapy for Back Pain
Massage may help with both types of back pain, acute and chronic but it may offer more relief for those with acute back pain. A 2011 study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that massage benefited people with chronic back pain over a six-month period.
Benefits of Massage Therapy:
According to the American Massage Therapy Association, research shows that massage therapy for back pain provides several important health benefits, such as:
- Massage improves blood circulation, which aids in the recovery of muscle soreness from physical activity.
- Massage relaxes muscles for an improved range of motion and also helps with insomnia.
- Massage leads to increased endorphin levels. The increase of endorphin levels is actually one of the greatest benefits of massage therapy. Endorphins are the chemicals the body produces that make you feel good, which is very effective in managing chronic pain.
How Does Acupressure Therapy Help For Lower Back Pain?
Acupressure is an ancient method to cure pain in the body. The theory behind it is that there are some pressure points on the body where the flow of our natural energies can be controlled to heal the body from infections. An elaborate system of mapping allows practitioners of acupressure to find and use these points to manipulate the energy flow. Back pain arising out of injury, stiffness, tension, and other factors can be treated when the pressure is applied to the suitable points in a controlled manner. The process boosts blood circulation and relaxes tense muscles to give relief.
Acupressure Points To Relieve Lower Back Pain
1. Acupressure Point CV 6
The CV 6 stomach point, which is also called the Sea of Energy point is commonly used to treat lower backaches. Applying pressure to this point provides long-term relief from lower back pain by strengthening the muscles in the lower section of the body between the waist and hip. To locate the point, hold three of your fingers – the index, middle, and ring fingers together. Place the three fingers just under the navel. The firm region you feel with your ring finger is where the CV 6 lies.
Apply firm pressure on the point with the three fingers held together for the best type of massage for lower back pain. Maintain steady pressure on the point for about 1 minute, repeat the exercise 2 or 3 times within a 10-minutes interval.
2. Acupressure Point B23
The pressure B23 is also known as the Kidney Shu and is among the vital points for treating lower back pain. Stimulating this point lowers the muscle tension and gives lasting relief from lower back pain. It is best done with the help of an assistant or a therapist. The point lies in the intermediate region between the rib cage and hip bone. To locate it, find the point where the inner bladder line intersects the middle of the waist.
Take deep breaths and exhale deeply as the therapist increases the pressure on the point. Stop the pressure once you have reached your threshold of pain and apply steady pressure for about a minute and repeat.
3. Acupressure Point B47
The point B47 lies adjacent to B23 and is yet another significant point to treat lower back pain. It is also labeled as B52 in some meridian charts. Stimulating this point with pressure relieves tension in the lower back muscles and eases the pain. Similar to B23, a therapist is needed to work on this point. The point can be found on the outer bladder line in the middle of the waist and is located on the right edge of the erector muscle group. Take deep breaths and exhale slowly as the pressure is applied to the point. This is one of the best back massages for lower back pain.
4. Acupressure Point GV4
GV4 or the Governing Vessel 4 is another vital acupressure point to treat lower back pain. Also known as the Life Gate, the pressure at this point is the most effective in easing lumbar back pain. It is also used to treat weakness in the knees, sexual problems in men, stress, and chronic fatigue. GV4 can be found at the waistline, at the same level as B23 between the vertebrae.
Similar to all the acupressure points on the lower back, you will need a therapist to work on this point. Lying on your abdomen, take deep breaths and exhale slowly as pressure is applied on the point and apply steady pressure for about a minute and release.
5. Acupressure Point B60
Bladder 60 or B60 is an acupressure point on the leg. Stimulating it can reduce stiffness and lower back pain. It also treats neck pain, headaches, and dizziness. Pregnant women should avoid this point as it can induce labor. B60 can be found in the space between the outer ankle bone and the Achilles tendon. The location of the pressure point is also called the Kunlun Mountains. Using the thumb directly on the point, grip the ankle and apply pressure for 30 seconds, and release. Alternate between the legs and repeat it 3 to 4 times in each session. It is the best way to massage lower back pain.
6. Acupressure Point LV 3
The LV 3, also known as Tai Chone or Great Rushing point, is used to treat lower back pain, stress, limb pain, and more. LV 3 can be found in the place where the bones of the big toe and the next toe meet, about 3 inches from the tip of the big toe. Apply gentle pressure on the area using your thumb for about 30 seconds and release. Alternate between both the legs and repeat the process 3 or 4 times in each session. Applying pressure on this point every day for a week will treat back pains
7. Acupressure Point B54
The acupressure point Bladder 54 or B54 is also labeled B40 in some meridian charts. Stimulating this pressure point on both legs helps to release stiffness and lower back pain caused by ailments such as herniated discs and sciatica, control muscle spasms, and leg pain. Called the Middle Crook, the point can be found at the back of the knee, on the middle of the crease.
With the thumb on the pressure point, apply steady pressure on it for about 30 seconds and repeat the exercise for 10 to 15 minutes.
Conclusion:
Massage Therapy for lower back pain may help ease your short-term lower back pain. You can ask a friend or family member to massage you, seek the services of a professional, or try to massage yourself with a tennis ball or foam roller. These techniques may offer you pain relief from back pain and help you stay active.
Frequently Asked Questions:-
When Should I Be Worried About Lower Back Pain?
If your lower back pain is accompanied by other troubling symptoms, it may require immediate medical attention. Seek immediate medical care if your lower back pain is experienced in tandem with any of the following symptoms: increasing weakness in your legs or loss of bladder and/or bowel control.
Can Acupressure Cure Lower Back Pain?
A new study concludes that self-administered acupressure can help ease chronic back pain. Acupressure uses fingers to massage pressure points in comparison to acupuncture that uses needles. Acupressure supporters say the technique is an inexpensive way to ease pain and a healthy alternative to opioids.
How Many Sessions Of Acupuncture Do You Need For Back Pain?
The number of treatments you require will depend upon your rate of improvement. Patty Wang, a Denver acupuncturist who trained in China and has been practicing for over 40 years, says that over 90 percent of the back pain both acute and chronic, improves after two or three treatments.
What Is The Best Type Of Massage For Lower Back Pain?
Back pain is more than an annoyance; it can significantly impact your life. In fact, back pain consequences can be so severe that in some cases, sufferers can become clinically depressed. If you have been suffering from lower back pain and prescription drugs have not helped with the problem, you may want to consider massage therapy. For example, Swedish massage, Trigger point massage, and Sports massage.
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