Back pain is a leading cause of missed workdays and job-related disabilities. Fortunately, there are many ways to relieve back pain, such as getting a massage, physical therapy, and more.
However, individuals suffering from acute and chronic back pain may need more muscle relaxation to relieve low back pain. This is where an infrared sauna comes in handy. Saunas continue to rise in popularity because of their relaxing and healthy benefits.
Find out here how an infrared sauna can combat acute back pain.
What Causes Back Pain?
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Back pain is a common condition that comes in different varieties, with the most popular being lower back pain. Generally, lower back pain may arise from various causes, including pinched nerves, sports injury, inflammation, and compression. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, approximately 80% of adults suffer from low back pain.
Lower back pain levels can range from mere discomfort to excruciating pain, depending on your unique case. For some patients, getting surgery may be necessary. However, this may not be necessary if you experience mere discomfort.
There are several things that you can get back pain relief. Some of them include:
- Getting adequate sleep
- Taking medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Improving your posture
- Getting physical therapy
- Massage
- Low-impact activities like walking
For more effective back pain relief, you may want to consider using an infrared sauna. Saunas have various effects on the body and can benefit conditions like lower back pain.
How Does an Infrared Sauna Works?
Unlike a steam room that uses moist heat; most saunas use dry heat heated about 160 degrees to 200 degrees. The radiant dry heat from the sauna can reach several inches below the skin surface and target the muscles.
Along with increasing the body temperature, the extreme heat also quickens the pulse and opens up the blood vessels surrounding the lumbar spine. As a result, the body can circulate blood and other fluids more rapidly, allowing the ligaments and muscles to get oxygen and the necessary nutrients.
The muscles and ligaments will then begin to relax and become less stiff. Heat therapy can ease the transmission of pain signals to the brain and will initiate the healing process for damaged tissue in your lower back in no time.
A study by the director of the Chronic Fatigue Clinic at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, Dr. Peter Rowe, has revealed that saunas can help improve elasticity in muscle tendons. This could greatly benefit people with chronic pain to feel more agile.
Are Saunas Bad for Your Lungs?
This is a common question for most people that intend to buy a home sauna. As far as other medical benefits are concerned, sauna use is also good for your lungs and respiratory health. Contrary to popular belief, saunas can promote lung function by improving vital capacity and volume, ventilation, and forced expiratory volume.
Benefits of Saunas for Back Treatment
Here are ways a sauna can be good for your back treatment.
- Soothes and Relaxes the Muscles
One of the major causes of lower back pain is strained or stiff muscles. The hot, dry sauna heat reaches underneath the skin surface to soothe the muscles. It encourages blood flow, and this makes muscles relax.
- Promotes Better Sleep
Not getting adequate sleep or sleeping in a poor position can deteriorate back pain. When you get into a sauna, your body and mind will relax, promoting better sleep.
- Increases Flexibility
As the sauna heat gets into the muscles and ligaments, it can cause them to become more pliable. It increases the flexibility of joints and muscles to improve your range of motion without any pain.
- Safe Alternative to Muscle Relaxers
An infrared sauna has a similar effect to muscle relaxers- in that they both help relax the muscles to interrupt the back pain cycle. However, the former is a safer alternative since it can reduce lower back pain without drugs.
Conclusion
If you are looking to reduce the discomfort of lower back pain, a home sauna can be beneficial. Heat therapy from a sauna can help reduce the pain. Besides, it is fun and relaxing and can promote overall well-being.
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