People who have an intervertebral hernia often wonder whether it is possible to apply massage to treat it.
It is possible to answer it simply - yes, but only it is necessary to understand the features in each individual case and determine whether there are any contraindications, since the hernia of the hernia is different.
As a rule, the main moments in the massage for this pathology are the following:
Techniques are used with light progressive thrusts that are aimed at relaxing the paravertebral muscles of the back( muscles that are located along the spine);
- Avoid high-intensity manual movements that are aimed at twisting, rotating( rotating), jerking, and can further damage the unstable disc;
- It is necessary to consult with a doctor, as with large hernia sizes or some of its types( for example, sequestered) massage is either completely contraindicated, or should be applied with great care.
In more serious cases, treatment of a spinal hernia with laser or laser vaporization of a disk can help. What to do with serious hernias in the cervical spine is available here.
What is a good massage for a patient?
Massage is gaining increasing acceptance in medical circles as a reliable tool for treating many types of back pain or as an supplement to other treatments for .
Studies show that massage has several potential advantages in combating pain in the pathology of the disc, including:
- Locally increases circulation of blood flow, which brings the nutrition needed by muscles and tissues, and also helps remove accumulated lactic acid, which causes muscle pain. This contributes to the recovery of muscles after physical activity, as well as to improving the nutrition of the intervertebral disc itself, which also suffers with spasmodic muscles.
- Reduces tension in the muscles, which allows you to improve flexibility, reduce the pain caused by muscle tension, and reduce the pressure on the intervertebral disc.
- Increases the level of endorphins in the body - chemicals that make the body "feel good".It improves mood, relieves depression and anxiety, which can further reduce pain and accelerate recovery.
Types of massage with herniated intervertebral disc
There are many different types of massage and each provides a unique opportunity for the patient.
Some styles focus on the impact on of the superficial muscles of , while others relate to the treatment of deeply lying tissues of .Some massage techniques manipulate the trigger points of the body, which is aimed at balancing the energy of Qi( methods from East Asian countries).
There are energetic and relaxing styles of massage. In any case, the use of massage will be most effective in combination with other conservative methods of treatment, such as physiotherapy, gymnastics and medication.
For the general relaxation, the Swedish massage techniques are the most suitable. These methods are characterized by long sliding and kneading movements.
The method of neuromuscular therapy( for example, Shiatsu massage) is the best one to influence specific pain points or individual muscles. The essence of the method is that the masseur presses for a short time( 10 - 30 seconds) with different strengths at certain points. Massage receptions are carried out with fingers, fists or an elbow. The procedure itself is relatively painful, but it has good effect. A typical scheme consists of four sessions for 6 weeks.
Sometimes massage with a special ice pack is quite effective. Its effectiveness is achieved due to the following factors:
- Pain in the intervertebral hernia is necessarily accompanied by inflammation of the surrounding nerve fibers of the tissues. Cold helps to reduce the inflammatory process and to remove possible edema of tissues.
- As a result of cooling, there is local anesthetic( anesthetic) effect.
- Coldness slows the holding of nerve impulses in the affected area, which helps to reduce painful impulses.
In addition, there are many therapeutic devices available for home use, such as hand massagers and massage cushions, which are designed to simulate some of the methods used by masseurs. A good option may be a massage chair, which, as a rule, imitates the actions that occur with shiatsu or Swedish technique.
Video massage manual for hernias of the spine
Massage for hernias of the intervertebral discs is an additional option of therapy that many people use as part of a large combined program to treat pain in the neck or back. It is one of the oldest ever known healing practices and provides numerous benefits for patients with various chronic health problems.
Unfortunately, since massage is a manipulation on the surface of the body, and the hernia of the disc is located deep in the tissues of the back, it is logical that its use is not able to really cure a herniated disc. However, its use successfully contributes to the reduction of painful manifestations.
