Health and Exercise

Degenerative disc disease affects close to 30% of the US population between the ages of 30 to 50 years old. The bones or cervical discs that make up the spinal column can begin to degenerate for a variety of reasons. This condition is known as degenerative disc disease. When the discs degenerate, they begin to come into closer proximity of each other. This can cause pain and discomfort and is mainly concentrated in the lower back. Chiropractors are utilizing massage chairs to loosen up the muscles of the lower back and to provide relief from the discomfort.

Why does the pain occur? Let us look at the structure of the spinal column. The spinal column is a vertical row of small round bones that are interconnected. The interconnection provides the ability for the spine to articulate or bend. Down the middle these round bones or vertebrae runs the spinal cord.

The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that travels from the base of the brain out to the rest of the body. The spinal column itself protects the spinal cord and gives the body flexibility and mobility. Between each of the vertebrae are soft discs. These soft discs are there to cushion the motion between the bones so the bones do not rub directly on each other.

Degeneration of the discs can occur with the wear and tear on the spinal column. This can be caused by aging, misuse or even by smoking. The cervical discs are susceptible to degenerative changes as the stress put on the spine may not be evenly distributed. For example, if you undertake specific activities like weight lifting, you can make small shifts in alignment of your spine which causes the forces to be concentrated in a given area. This can put more degenerative pressure on certain discs or soft tissue areas.

As you can see, there are many possible causes that can cause the soft tissues between the discs to deteriorate or lose their vitality. Massage chair therapy is becoming a popular natural treatment to both elongate the soft tissues to help restore flexibility but also for relief of the discomfort with the disease. Often times spinal adjustments are also needed to rebalance the spine and correct its alignment. This along with massage chair treatments help restore the spine.

The symptoms of degenerative disc disease are low back pain, tightness, and stiffness. This is reflective of the spine carrying and distributing the weight of the body. A weak area in the spine is like the weak link in a chain. The strength of the chain is only as strong as its weakest link. The weak link then takes the majority of the force when misalignments occur. This causes stress, fatigue and inflammation to occur in this area.

Massage chair therapy has been used in two different forms to help relieve the pain associated with degenerative disc disease. A finger press or rolling type of massage is used to alleviate pressure between the discs. Kneading and tapping massages are used to loosen the muscles in and around the spinal column.

The finger press massage puts pressure on each vertebra in the spinal column. This small movement helps to stretch and elongate the soft tissue and muscles around the disc. The rolling is performed up and down the spinal column, disc by disc. This helps to reduce pressure and uneven stress on the spinal column.

Massage chairs perform a kneading massage treatment to loosen larger muscles. The kneading is a side to side motion. The area of massage is set and the massage chairs will knead the muscles and soft tissues in the assigned area. The speed of the kneading can be varied or an automatic program can be initiated to relax and soothe these major muscle areas.

Degenerative discs disease has many causes and also many therapies to restore the health of the spine. Massage chairs have been found to be a reliable, consistent and convenient method to relieve pain and to help restore flexibility to the soft tissues of the back and shoulders. Check with your medical doctor as to what is appropriate for your situation. Discuss your thoughts about the treatments that can be provided by a massage chairs for periodic relief.

Massage chair therapy is an effective and convenient method for periodic relief from the symptoms of degenerative discs disease. The convenience of having a massage chair at your disposal is invaluable. When your symptoms act up, just take a seat and push a button. Let the natural massage therapy soothe, relax and relieve your tired, aching muscles. Massage chairs never get tired and are there when you need them. No appointment needed!

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