Benefits of Holistic Massage for Herniated Discs

Holistic massage can be a valuable complementary therapy for individuals suffering from herniated discs. Here’s how it can help:

1. Pain Relief: Massage therapy can help reduce pain by releasing tension in the muscles surrounding the affected area. This can take pressure off the nerves being irritated by the herniated disc2.
2. Improved Circulation: Better blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients to the affected area, which can promote healing and reduce inflammation2.
3. Increased Flexibility: Gentle stretching during massage can help improve your range of motion, making daily activities easier and less painful.
4. Stress Reduction: Being in pain is stressful. Massage can help you relax, reducing overall tension in your body and potentially speeding up the healing process.
5. Muscle Relaxation: Massage therapy eases stiff and tense muscles, which reduces pain and increases mobility. This treats not only muscle spasms but also restores movement in muscles near the injured disc2.

What is a Herniated Disc?

Spinal discs are small, rubbery cushions that fill the spaces between the vertebrae in the back. In some cases, the softer center of the disc protrudes. This is known as a “herniated disc.” Most herniated discs occur in the lower back, but they can occur in other parts of the back as well.

Often, surgery is given as the only option to heal damaged discs in the back. This type of surgery is often risky, as it can lead to further trauma and pain, let alone the huge recovery time and expense.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

The most common symptoms of a herniated disc are:

• Pain in the arm or leg
• Numbness or tingling in the affected body part
• Weakness in the muscles served by affected nerves

Causes of Herniated Discs

In most cases, patients develop herniated discs because of normal wear and tear related to aging. As a person ages, the spinal discs lose some of their fluid content, which makes them less flexible and more likely to become herniated with even minor activities. In other cases, a herniated disc may occur after a traumatic event, such as a fall.

Some people are more likely to develop herniated discs than others. Herniated discs are more common among people who are overweight or spend a lot of time performing activities that put stress on the back. Having a family history of herniated discs may also raise a patient’s risk of developing this condition.

Holistic massage can be a gentle yet effective way to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for those with herniated discs. If you have any more questions or need further information, feel free to ask!