Back pain can make everyday tasks difficult and even overwhelming. Getting rid of back pain is not always easy, especially if you have underlying health problems or issues that are contributing to the pain itself. However, one remedy that can relieve some of the pain and tenseness you feel within your upper back is massage. Research has shown that massage is more effective than over-the-counter pain medications (NSAIDs).
Using massage therapy for upper back pain can greatly reduce the amount of tension and pain in your back. Knowing the benefits of massage therapy and how to find a therapist that knows how to relieve your back pain can get you on the right path to a much happier, pain-free life.
Types of Massage Therapy
There are many different types of massage therapy that deal with back pain; neuromuscular therapy, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy are modalities that work very well in relieving back pain.
Working With the Neck and Shoulders
You can also use these techniques on yourself to help relieve back pain. Place your fingertips where your neck and shoulders meet and see if you feel any tender spots. Press on those points until they loosen and you feel relief. Now you can move anywhere from 4 to 6 inches outward and down to see if there are more tender areas. Pressing down on the tender spots slowly and moving your fingers helps to relieve the pain while loosening up the muscle altogether. Repeat the process over any tender muscles that you are capable of reaching, especially near the neck. Oftentimes, neck muscles can become cramped and filled with tension if you are sleeping improperly or if you keep your head at an angle each day during work.
If you cannot locate the tender spots on your neck or back, working together with a licensed massage therapist may be the right option for you.
Source: Eugene Wood, massage therapist at the Center for the Alignment of Body, Mind and Spirit. Location: 2050 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh. For more information, call 516-221-3500 or visit Align-Me.com. See ad on page 23.
