Massage therapy is a popular treatment option for reducing back pain, but in some cases, it can actually worsen the condition. If you have a spinal injury or herniated disc, using a massage chair can cause pain and exacerbate existing herniated disc pain. It's important to talk to your doctor if you experience persistent pain and discomfort after using a massage chair. Prolonged low back pain is not a normal effect of massage and is usually the result of the masseur penetrating the muscles and surrounding tissue too deeply and quickly.
If you feel pain or discomfort during the massage, be sure to let your masseuse know so that they can make the necessary adjustments. Before beginning, discuss what you expect to get from massage therapy, the amount of pressure you want to feel, your previous experience with massage, and any pre-existing conditions. Massage therapy helps reduce pain by loosening knots and releasing endorphins that block pain receptors in the brain. It also promotes the release of endorphins, serotonin and dopamine from the central autonomic nervous system, which can help increase your natural energy levels for long-term recovery.
However, many users, especially beginners, experience back pain as a result of improper use of a massage chair. To avoid this, warm up your muscles before a massage by starting with gentle massage settings and gradually increasing intensity. You may also want to find a massage therapist who specializes in the area or type of injury to administer treatment. Pain in a certain area after the massage can also be an indication that there is tension in that area.
If this is the case, it's important to communicate with your masseuse so they can adjust their technique accordingly.
