Lower back pain is the most common form of back pain, experienced by approximately 30 million Americans at any given time. According to Los Angeles spine surgeons, it’s also one of the most difficult forms of back pain to treat since there is often no clear source of the discomfort other than some type of soft tissue damage. This is why neuromuscular therapy is considered one of the most effective therapies for lower back pain.
Strategic Pressure Placement
Sometimes referred to as trigger point myotherapy, NMT involves the use of pressure placed on the areas of the lower back affected by muscle tightness. While primarily involving muscular manipulation with the fingers, a therapist may also use their knuckles and elbow to apply pressure to the right spot. Pressure is applied for about 10-30 seconds in each area.
Easing Muscle Stress
If you’ve ever experienced lower back pain, you know that the muscle spasms that happen when muscles aren’t receiving enough blood or oxygen really pack a punch. NMT relaxes muscles and allows for an increased flow of blood and oxygen. This results in less muscle stress and pain. The relief can last for several days or weeks following a session, depending on the level of initial tension.
Improving Posture
Practitioners often perform a posture assessment on patients. Making an effort to improve posture can further ease stress on muscles and help patients enjoy more benefits from NMT sessions.
Communicating During Sessions
During a typical NMT session, the therapist will apply pressure in a way that’s meant to counter pain rather than cause more discomfort. While there may be some initial soreness following the first few sessions, this will ease over time as muscles relax. It is, however, important for patients to let therapists know if the pressure is too much.
When combined with other treatments for lower back pain, neuromuscular massage therapy is often effective for reducing muscle spasms and minimizing daily discomfort. NMT techniques can also be applied to acute pain injuries and help prevent future injuries, especially sports-related muscle issues.
Learn more about effective ways to treat back pain from the board-certified spine specialists at The Spine Institute Center for Spinal Restoration. To schedule an in-person consultation, call (310) 828-7757 today and speak with an experienced representative.