Tips for Using a Sauna for Back Pain

Tips for Using a Sauna for Back Pain

Tips for Using a Sauna for Back Pain

is the sauna good for back pain

All About Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common health problems in the United States, affecting about 75 to 85 percent of people at some point in their lives.

MedicalNewsToday explains that this discomfort can originate from any part of the complex, interconnected network making up the spine, including the base of your neck, ligaments around the spine and discs, lower back muscles, and even abdominal and pelvic internal organs.

It could be due to a physical injury or overexertion, such as lifting something heavy, a sedentary lifestyle, or bad posture like slouching, forward head, or swayback (via Healthline).

It may also be because of aging when you don’t have the same amount of muscle mass or flexibility as you did when younger. Other structural problems contributing to back pain include sciatica, arthritis, scoliosis, and osteoporosis.

The symptoms of back pain are as varied as their causes. It could be as subtle as muscle aches or as severe as a shooting or stabbing pain that travels down your leg. The intensity and nature of the pain could also be influenced by specific activities, worsening during movements like bending, lifting, standing, or walking.

For minor issues, treatment can involve over-the-counter pain relievers, topical rubs, and muscle relaxants. In contrast, more severe cases may require more aggressive treatments such as steroid injections, opioids, and, in some instances, surgery.

If you’re looking for an alternative way to manage pain without resorting to medication or invasive procedures, consider sauna therapy. While there are many benefits of using a sauna, one of the most notable is that it can relieve some of the stiffness and pain associated with joint and muscle problems.

Types of Saunas

Saunas have been a longstanding tradition in Finnish culture and Scandinavian countries that has now spread to the rest of the world. These days, saunas are available in two different types: traditional and infrared.

Traditional Saunas

Traditional saunas are the classic version, using either wood or electric heaters to warm up rocks, radiating that heat into the room. The temperature usually hovers between 150 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit while the humidity sits comfortably at 10% to 20%.

You can occasionally throw ladlefuls of water over these heated rocks to create a steamy atmosphere. This combination of therapeutic heat and steam offers a range of benefits, like improved blood circulation, skin rejuvenation, eczema reduction, pain relief, and more.

Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas feature strategically placed carbon or ceramic panels that emit electromagnetic rays to warm up the body. They operate at a lower temperature range — like 110 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit which is way more comfortable than the traditional version. This type of sauna helps boost metabolism, aids in detoxification, relaxes muscles, and melts away stress.

Both these versions are available in indoor and outdoor variants. Indoor saunas can be installed in an unused bathroom, basement, or even a large closet. The advantage of these saunas is that they can be used throughout the year, rain or shine.

Do you fancy an open-air session under the sky? An outdoor sauna can be a beautiful addition to your backyard or pool area. Remember, these require a bit more maintenance but provide a truly immersive, nature-merged relaxation experience.

This post was last modified on Tháng mười một 19, 2024 11:34 chiều