Why is backache a pain?

Did you know that back pain became a way of life when humans started walking upright, rather than on all fours? The vertebrae were never really designed to deal with walking upright.

The majority of adults will experience backache at some time and this usually occurs in the middle stages of life, depending very much on their everyday lifestyle and leisure activities. Backaches and pains can be one of the main reasons for absenteeism from work.

The body has a lot of work to do during the course of a day and your back is probably one of the most complex and active areas to keep us going.

What is back pain?

Low back pain is pain, muscle tension or stiffness localised below the rib cage and above the buttocks, with or without leg pain. Low back pain occurs as a result of heavy lifting, frequent bending, pulling, twisting, repetitive work or poor posture.

Good posture is very important for a healthy back and a back support is especially important for people who spend many hours sitting in a chair. For those that have to stand for some time, you should be aware of the position of the back so that it evenly distributes the weight of the body.

In a sense, the muscles, ligaments and tendons of the body act as 'guy ropes' or 'strainers' for the skeleton. When they become too tight, they pull on the bone where they are attached and this can have a ‘domino effect’ throughout the body, causing further distortions and, consequently, aches and pains.

It must be understood that a persistent or severe back pain must be assessed and diagnosed by a medical professional. Always consult your GP if you are concerned about a health issue.

Is there a solution for back pain?

Massage therapy can help to ease these aches and pains as it enables the body to relax thus inducing a feeling of well-being. More vigorous forms of massage, such as deep tissue massage, can free up tense muscles and help with stiffness.

The body is covered in skin, which is the body’s largest sensory organ. Messages are sent through the skin to the brain via the nervous system and sometimes deep-seated emotions are released during the massage, as massaging the skin can have an effect on the entire body including one’s heart rate, blood pressure and breathing.

Other holistic therapies (such as Chiropractic, the Alexander Technique and Bowen therapy) can also help to improve musculoskeletal or postural issues, but the right one for you will depend on your individual circumstances; your age, lifestyle and symptoms.

Massage is a completely safe therapy and, with regular sessions, it can help most people of all ages. The manipulation of soft tissues can have a therapeutic affect by acting directly on the muscular, nervous, circulatory and immune systems.

Find a verified massage therapist in your local area today. With over 350 massage professionals to choose from, you can find find the right holistic practitioner to suit all of your well-being needs.