Can Massage Therapy Cure a Bulging Disc? This Will Help You!
In This Article
The Big Question: Can Massage Therapy Cure a Bulging Disc?
Answering the Big Question
So, can back rubs (or as the grown-ups call it, massage therapy) fix a Bulging disc (also known as a bulging disc)? Well, the simple answer is no, back rubs can't magically push the disc back in. But don't be sad! Even though it can't fix the disc, it can help manage the ouchies and discomfort that comes with it. It's kind of like when you have a sore muscle after playing too hard. The massage won't make the soreness disappear instantly, but it can make you feel better and help your body heal faster.
Getting to Know Massage Therapy
What is Massage Therapy?
Imagine someone gently squishing and squeezing your muscles, kind of like how you would squish and squeeze playdough. That's what massage therapy is like! It's a special way to help your body feel better by improving blood flow (kind of like when you run really fast and your heart beats faster), easing muscle tension (like when your muscles relax after you've stopped running), and helping you relax.
Different Types of Massages
There are many types of massages that can help with back pain from a Bulging disc. These include:
- Deep tissue massage: This is like a regular massage but goes deeper into your muscles.
- Traction movements: This involves stretching and pulling your body in different ways.
- Hot and cold massage therapy: This uses warm and cool temperatures to help reduce pain.
- Trigger point therapy: This focuses on specific points in your body that might be causing pain.
- Foam rolling exercises: This involves using a special foam roller to massage your muscles.
- Acupressure: This is similar to acupuncture but uses pressure instead of needles.
Remember, it's always best to talk to a doctor before trying any new treatments.
How Massage Helps with a Bulging Disc
How Massage Helps a Bulging Disc
Massage can help with a Bulging disc by making the muscles around it stronger and more flexible. This takes some pressure off the disc, which can help reduce pain. However, massage can't fix a Bulging disc completely. It's also important to remember that getting a massage directly on the Bulging disc isn't a good idea because it could make things worse.
Why Massage is Awesome for Bulging Discs
Massage can be really helpful if you have a Bulging disc. It can target sore spots, release feel-good chemicals called endorphins (these are like your body's natural candy), stretch the spine to relieve pressure on the disc, reduce inflammation (that's when something gets red, swollen, and hot) and pain with hot and cold temperatures, focus on muscle knots that cause pain and tension, stimulate specific points on the body to restore balance and energy (kind of like tuning an instrument), and use a foam roller to massage the muscles around the spine.
Important Things to Consider
When Massage Might Not Be a Good Idea
While massage can be great for many people, it's not for everyone. If your disc is severely Bulging or herniated (which means it's sticking out more than usual), getting a massage might not be the best idea. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new treatments.
Finding a Super Massage Therapist
If you decide to try massage therapy for your Bulging disc, it's important to find someone who knows what they're doing. Your doctor can probably recommend a good physical therapist who can help you figure out what kind of treatment plan would work best for you.
What Happens During a Massage?
During a massage session, the therapist will use special techniques to help your back feel better. They might use different types of pressure and movements to help your discs and joints. This can help reduce pain and prevent further damage to your discs. Along with some basic strengthening exercises, massage therapy can significantly decrease pain from a herniated disc.
A Look at the Decompression Belt
Why the Decompression Belt is Cool
A decompression belt is a special device that can provide short-term pain relief for people with back pain caused by a pinched nerve or Bulging disc. The belt is great for people with degenerative, herniated or Bulging discs. It works by reducing the pressure on the spinal discs and helps relieve the weight of the upper body off the lower back. By relieving the pressure off the spinal discs, the discs can get the oxygen, nutrients, and water it needs to be strong and healthy. You can find more about this risk-free option at [Treatopedia.com].
Practical Stuff About Massage Therapy
How Often Should You Get a Massage?
The number of massages you should get can depend on how severe your condition is and what your healthcare provider recommends. Generally, people with Bulging disc symptoms have physical therapy appointments two to three times a week over a six-week period. However, some sources suggest that you might need a session once a week for four to eight weeks.
What Does Science Say About Massage?
While massage therapy can potentially help manage herniated disc pain, it’s not a cure. There’s limited evidence to support the claim that massage can realign a Bulging disc. However, given that pain is a complex experience —not just caused by biological factors themselves—massage may provide some degree of pain relief from the analgesic effects of touch.
How Much Does a Massage Cost?
The cost of massage therapy for Bulging discs can vary widely depending on factors such as where you live and how experienced the therapist is, how long and how often you have sessions, and whether the therapy is part of a bigger treatment plan. It's best to talk to potential therapists or clinics directly to get an accurate estimate. Massage therapy can be covered by your health insurance plan if it is considered medically necessary and/or fits the criteria of coverage given by your healthcare provider. This means only certain types of massage will qualify, such as stroking, compression, percussion, manipulation, traction and lymphatic drainage. It's important to check with your insurance provider to understand what types of massage therapy are covered under your plan.
Dr. Allan McManus,
