Low back pain is a condition that is proven to be helped significantly by Massage and CranioSacral Therapy. It is just one of the many good reasons to get treatment. But what can one do to make a chronic low back pain a non-issue in addition?

Yoga

Research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found taking 12 weeks of classes led to greater improvements in function for adults with chronic low back pain versus receiving conventional care (like meds or physical therapy).

#1-Yoga, done correctly strengthens core muscles, hips, back and legs. Yoga brings a balance into your body with strength and flexibility. I would be amiss if I did not mention the benefits of yoga to also calm the mind and align with spirit. In other words, your lower back is not be the only part of you that receives great benefit and improvement.

#2 Take breaks if sitting at your job, I suggest 30 second “breath breaks” every ½ hour- stand up straight & do a yoga “Mountain pose” for 3-deep breaths. (stand with your ears over shoulders, shoulders over your hips, hips over your knees, knees over your ankles with your arms to the sides with palms
open. ) When you sit back down, you will be more mindful of your posture and breath. (We tend to slouch and hold our breath while working at the computer.)

We routinely witness the transformations folks experience when they commit to a regular practice. It is never too late to start or too soon! We have folks in their eighties and nineties go from not being able to lift themselves from the floor to doing so after attending a series of classes. We see people who can’t bend to tie a shoe to doing full forward bends-bringing their hands to a block on the floor or touching the floor. This goes way beyond helping back pain, it is creating strength and flexibility for a healthy, joyful life with fullness at any age- you can do this!

Now is the time to start a weekly class or two or to take some private yoga sessions with J.  Look at the “Yoga” link at the top of the page & click on “Class Schedule & Pricing” & Private Yoga Sessions” for more information.

Massage

Research has shown that massage can:

  • decrease low back pain 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 
  • decrease disability associated with low back pain 2,3, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • demonstrates decreased pain and disability over time 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
  • decrease anxiety/depression associated with low back pain 4, 5, 7, 9

The above statements can be referenced to the research by Clicking Here, also find many other approved positions statements for massage therapy on this link including massage for fibromyalgia.