If you have scoliosis, you know that finding comfortable seating can be a challenge. You may have wondered if massage chairs are good for scoliosis.
The answer is yes! Massage chairs can provide relief from some of the symptoms of scoliosis, such as pain and stiffness.
This blog post will give you an overview of how massage chairs can help people with scoliosis, as well as some tips on choosing the right chair for your needs. Keep reading to learn more!
What is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a medical condition that causes the spine to curve sideways. It most often affects people in their late childhood and early teenage years. It is more common among girls than boys. Congenital scoliosis results from embryological malformation of vertebrae and is usually detected at a younger age.
Normally, your spine has a gentle S-shaped curve when viewed from the side. It gently curves forward and back at three main points: your neck, chest, and lower back. The curves give your spine strength, flexibility, and an even distribution of weight across your upper body. Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type and is usually diagnosed during puberty.
In people with scoliosis, the spine bends sideways. In other words, it curves towards your right or left arm. A spine affected by scoliosis spine might look like an S-shaped curve when viewed from the back. This is not the ideal or natural spinal position. Degenerative scoliosis occurs most frequently in the lumbar spine and affects people age 65 and older.
The angle of scoliosis can be small, moderate, or large. A bend in your vertebral spine greater than or equal to 10-degrees indicates scoliosis.
Causes and risk factors of scoliosis:
Scoliosis is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. However, data from AANS shows that no obvious cause is identified in 80% of scoliosis cases.
Some of the known risk factors of scoliosis include the following:
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Family history: If your parents or any other close family member has had scoliosis, you have a higher risk of developing the condition.
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Birth defects: Spinal abnormalities present at birth can lead to scoliosis.
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Muscular dystrophy: Muscular dystrophy is a group of inherited conditions that weaken the muscles and impact the nervous system. This can lead to scoliosis.
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Neurofibromatosis: This disorder causes tumors to grow on the nerves, sometimes causing scoliosis.
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Cerebral palsy: Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects muscle movement, coordination, and spinal function.
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Neuromuscular scoliosis: This type encompasses scoliosis secondary to neurological or muscular diseases such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord trauma, and muscular dystrophy.
Symptoms of scoliosis:
Doctors define the severity of scoliosis based on the angle of the spinal curve, measured in degrees to determine the diagnosis of scoliosis. The symptoms associated with scoliosis may vary depending on its severity. The following are some common symptoms of scoliosis:
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Uneven shoulders (one shoulder blade sticks out more than the other)
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One rib cage is higher than the other
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Uneven waistline (one hip appears higher than the other)
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One leg appears shorter than the other
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Back pain
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Stiffness in the back
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Fatigue
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Headache
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Difficulty breathing
Scoliosis is often diagnosed during adolescence through physical examinations, screening tests, and imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.
In severe cases of scoliosis, the ribs may press on the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. In such cases, scoliosis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor for a diagnosis.
How massage chairs help relieve symptoms of scoliosis
Massage chairs are a great way to relieve some symptoms of scoliosis, such as pain and stiffness. Massage chairs can also resolve postural problems in scoliosis patients. Cranial sacral therapy can balance the spine and increase function by mobilizing restricted tissue around the spinal column.
In general, massage therapy with massage chairs offers several benefits for people with scoliosis. Scoliosis massage therapy is particularly effective when used in combination with other therapies such as acupuncture and natural pain relievers. A multi-faceted approach to managing scoliosis pain includes temporary relief through massage therapy and natural pain relievers.
Relieves back pain
Scoliosis patients suffer from severe back pain because of the unnatural curve in their spine. A study suggests that massage therapy can effectively decrease back pain and improve flexibility in scoliosis patients.
Neuromuscular therapy, a type of massage therapy, can be used to alleviate scoliosis-related chronic back pain by relaxing the spine and increasing blood flow.
Modern massage chairs have built-in kneading massage balls and airbags that target specific points on your back. This helps release muscle tension, which can lead to pain relief. Some massage chairs have special features, such as heat therapy and lumbar support, that can improve back pain.
A randomized controlled trial compared the effectiveness of physiotherapy and massage therapy in relieving back pain. Researchers found that massage therapy was more effective than physiotherapy in relieving back pain.
Another study concluded that a combination of massage and exercise is more effective in relieving back pain than either massage or exercise alone. Massage chairs offer a convenient way to get regular massage therapy and relieve scoliosis-related back pain.
Additionally, massage chairs come with heat therapy. Heat is known to relax muscles and ease pain. Combining massage with heat therapy can provide the ultimate relief from scoliosis-related back pain.
Releases muscle tension and stiffness
Scoliosis aggravates the muscles and vertebrae and makes it difficult to move. Muscle tension and stiffness are common in scoliosis patients. Massage chairs can help relieve muscle tension by targeting specific points on your back, neck, and shoulders.
Massage therapy relieves muscle stiffness by increasing the blood flowto your back muscles. The pressure applied on specific points pushes blood through congested areas, making way for fresh blood. Because of this, it relaxes muscles and reduces inflammation.
Massage chairs come with different massage techniques, such as kneading and shiatsu massage, that can help release muscle tension. Massage chairs with kneading balls and airbags help loosen up the muscles and improve flexibility.
Some massage chairs also have a stretching function that can help relieve muscle stiffness. This is especially beneficial for scoliosis patients.
Improves posture and mobility
Scoliosis can cause postural problems, such as uneven shoulders and an uneven waistline. This can affect your mobility and make it difficult to perform daily tasks. Massage chairs can help improve your posture by gently correcting the alignment of your spine.
Zarifa USA massage chairs have different features that can help improve your posture. For instance, some massage chairs come with a lumbar support feature that helps maintain the natural curve of your spine. Massage chairs with a heating function can help improve posture by relaxing the muscles and relieving tension.
Massage chairs can also help improve your range of motion and flexibility. The stretching function in some massage chairs can help lengthen the muscles and improve flexibility. Massage chairs with a kneading function can also help break up the knots in your muscles and improve the range of motion.
How to choose the best massage chair for scoliosis
When investing in a massage chair for scoliosis, consider which factors can help relieve scoliosis symptoms and improve your quality of life. Spinal fusion is a treatment option for scoliosis that involves fusing two or more vertebrae to correct the spinal curve and prevent further progression.
Here are some unique features that make a massage chair the best therapy for scoliosis patients. Spinal fusion surgery may be recommended for severe cases of scoliosis, particularly when the spinal curve exceeds a certain degree and shows signs of progression.
Deep tissue massage techniques
Different massage chairs come with different massage techniques. Massage chairs with a kneading function can help break up the knots in your muscles and improve blood circulation. This type of function can also help relax the muscles and relieve tension.
Shiatsu massage chairs, on the other hand, come with airbags that provide a deep-tissue massage. This can help loosen up the muscles and improve flexibility. Massage chairs with stretching functions can help lengthen the muscles and increase mobility.
When choosing a massage chair, make sure to pick one with massage techniques that can help reach your desired results.
Massage rollers
Next, you need to consider which massage roller will best suit your needs. There are three available options: 2D, 3D, and 4D rollers.
2D rollers are the oldest generation of massage rollers. They massage by moving in two directions. They can move vertically (up and down along the back) or horizontally (side to side across the width of the back).
Second-generation 3D rollers can move in three directions. In addition to moving vertically and horizontally, they can protrude in and out. This additional dimension enables 3D rollers to provide a more human-like feel and deep tissue massage.
4D rollers are the latest advancement in massage roller technology. They have all of the capabilities of 3D rollers with one additional feature. 4D rollers can also change their massage speed on the fly. The user can control how fast or slow the rollers move. This allows for the most customizable and human-like massage experience.
Should you only choose massage chairs with 4D rollers?
Not necessarily. 2D rollers are not as exciting or innovative as the others, but they provide a smooth experience. If you can afford it, 3D or 4D rollers are the way to go. They offer a more customized and human-like massage.
It all comes down to the massage intensity you need. If you're particularly looking for a high-intensity massage, buy a 3D or 4D massage chair. If massage intensity and variety aren't a priority, 2D will work fine.
S or L roller track
Once you've decided on the roller type, you need to decide on the massage chair's roller track. There are two options: S and L track.
S-track roller chairs massage along the natural S-shape of your spine. L-track roller chairs massage from your neck down to your glutes and hamstrings.
L-track massage chairs work best for scoliosis. They effectively massage your lower spine and back muscles to relieve pain. However, they are slightly larger and more expensive than S-track chairs.
Consult your doctor
When choosing a massage chair for scoliosis, it's best to consult your doctor first. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best features and functions that can help relieve your scoliosis symptoms. They can also recommend how often you should use the massage chair.
Your budget
Massage chairs can range in price, depending on the features and functions. Some affordable options in the market come with features designed specifically for scoliosis patients. When setting your budget, consider your unique needs to get the most out of your investment.
Disclaimer
Before buying a massage chair for scoliosis, consider if it's the right treatment for you. Massage chairs can be beneficial for scoliosis patients, but they are not a cure.
Massage chairs can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life, but they will not fix the underlying problem. If you stop using the massage chair, your signs of scoliosis may return.
For mild scoliosis, treatment may not be necessary, and the doctor might suggest options like a scoliosis brace or exercises to reduce back pain and strengthen back and core muscles.
Massage chairs are not a substitute for professional medical care. If you’re experiencing severe pain, consult your doctor immediately. Massage chairs should only be used as a complement to professional medical care, not as a replacement.
The bottom line
Massage chairs can be a great way to relieve scoliosis symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you're considering buying a massage chair for scoliosis, see our collection of best massage chairs.
All Zarifa USA products are HSA and FSA eligible. This means you can contribute your health savings funds towards the purchase of any of our products!
