Back pain comes in all shapes and sizes. More often than not individuals resort to massage and stretching to relieve it. However, what many do not understand, these are temporary fixes.

Massage Therapy for Back Pain

The human body is extremely smart. In many cases back pain is caused by overactive muscles signaling to the body that they have had enough. This is the essential an alert system for the body. Muscles communicate by saying, “I’ve had enough, it’s time to relax”. In many cases massage therapy will reduce the muscle tension caused by this response. However, that does not mean the problem is resolved all together.

Stretch for Back Pain

Stretch is similar in some senses to massage as it relates to resolving back pain. Alone, stretch will not resolve the issue all together. In some cases stretch will only provide temporary relief until more is needed. This process tends to repeat itself as long as individuals simply focus on stretch. Other cases result in individuals becoming hypermobile, or too flexible for their own good. In order for muscle and bone to remain pain free there must be a healthy balance of flexibility, stability and strength. Over stretching reduces overall stability.

How Can One Eliminate Back Pain?

Eliminating back pain starts by finding the root cause. In many cases, chiropractors and physical therapists will help to pinpoint where the pain is arising. Often times, back pain is caused by various joints that directly affect the back rather than the back itself. Chiropractors and therapists may then refer personal trainers to aide in the muscle strength and stability aspects of the recovery process. At the end of the day, back pain will not be resolved utilizing one healthcare professional. Chiropractors, therapists, and personal trainers collaborate in more ways than one to help patients and clients live a life without pain.