Most people will experience mild to moderate back pain at some point in their lives. Read on to learn more about two common ways to treat this ailment.

Physiotherapy

Those who suffer from persistent back pain often find that physiotherapy can help to alleviate their symptoms and, in some cases, address and eliminate the root cause of their condition. A physiotherapist can offer a comprehensive range of treatment options, all of which are designed to reduce their patient's pain levels, improve their physical functionality and help them to avoid developing additional back problems in the future.

Some examples of the treatment methods they may employ include hot and cold therapies (i.e the application of ice packs to reduce inflammation and heat packs to increase blood circulation), stretching exercises and massage. They may also offer their patient ultrasound therapy; this involves using ultrasound equipment to transmit sonic waves through the soft tissues in the back. These vibrations can improve the flow of blood and help to reduce the patient's pain levels.

Additionally, a physiotherapist who is treating someone with back pain may also provide them with a number of 'prescription' exercises, which the patient can do each day to help increase their lumbar stability. This, in turn, can help to alleviate their pain and protect their spine and back muscles from sustaining further injuries later down the line.

Massage

Massage is a technique which involves using the hands to stroke, rub or knead the muscles of the body. This treatment can be very effective in treating back pain that is being caused by inflammation, muscle spasms or muscular tension, as well as pain that is the result of compressed nerves (as is the case for back ailments such as a herniated disc or sciatica).

It can enhance a person's blood circulation and thus help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to their damaged back muscles, tendons and ligaments. It can also improve their range of motion. Additionally, massage can encourage the release of endorphins; these are often referred to as the body's own natural painkillers, as they can temporarily lower a person's pain levels.

There are many different massage techniques; however, one of the most effective for back pain is deep tissue massage. A therapist trained in this form of massage will use very firm strokes to massage the deeper layers of fascia and muscles. It can break up any scar tissue present in these layers and in doing so, help to reduce inflammation and pain.

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