Benefits Of Using Infrared Saunas For Back Pain

Dealing with back pain can be a miserable experience that seems to linger throughout the day. Many people who suffer from back pain have turned to infrared saunas, but do they really help? 

This guide will explain exactly how you can use an infrared sauna for back pain.

What causes back pain?

There is no single cause for back pain, but many factors could contribute to the problem. The most common cause is a strained or pulled muscle which can be done through repetitive movements or overextending and causing an injury.

Other common causes of back pain include medical conditions like a slipped disc or sciatica which involves issues with the spine and nerves respectively.

Finally, back pain can also be caused by more serious threats such as a broken bone, infection or, in rare cases, even cancer.

Before treating your back pain with tools like an infrared sauna, it’s important to speak with a medical professional to determine the exact cause of your back pain and whether there is a more serious underlying problem.

Can infrared saunas reduce back pain?

Studies on the impact of infrared saunas on back pain are still in their infancy but the early signs are definitely promising. A recent study from 2019 noted that subjects saw a clear improvement in their pain levels. 

This builds on older studies that demonstrated the value of red light therapy for back pain which were equally promising, particularly for those suffering from chronic back issues.

How infrared saunas work

Infrared saunas emit infrared light which directly penetrates the skin and heats the body. Because of this, infrared saunas are able to cause warmth and sweating at a much lower temperature than a traditional sauna that relies on heating the air around your body.

We have a full, detailed guide on how infrared saunas work if you want to find out the details!

How infrared saunas can reduce back pain

This deep heat that infrared saunas emit can relax tight muscles, which is particularly useful for alleviating back pain caused by muscle strain or tension. They also reduce inflammation and swelling, which can aggravate the pain you feel in your back.

The infrared light also promotes blood flow and circulation which means more oxygen and essential nutrients are delivered to the damaged area. This aids the healing process.

Finally, infrared saunas will reduce tension and promote relaxation in your muscles which can help reduce pain levels.

Other ways to reduce back pain

Infrared saunas are a great way to reduce back pain but they certainly aren’t the only method.

Medication

Perhaps the most common way to deal with back pain is through pain relief medication. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are particularly good at reducing any inflammation that can make back pain worse.

Note: Always ensure you seek medical advice from your professional healthcare provider before using medication.

Physical therapy

For those suffering from more debilitating back pain, physical therapy is a very good option. They will perform and teach stretches and exercises that can help with the long term care of your back.

Again, we recommend that you see a professional to examine the cause of your back pain; they will be able to provide the correct advice.

Improving posture

When you suffer with back pain, your posture is often one of the first things to get worse. To compensate for the pain, you will likely adjust your posture which will make the problem worse in the long run.

Improving your posture, both during the day and while you sleep, is crucial for managing back pain.

Summary

Back pain is annoying at the best of times and debilitating at the worst of times. If you’ve dealt with back pain and want to try something different, then infrared saunas may be the best option for you.

If you’re interested in getting an infrared sauna for your home, get in touch with Sun Stream Saunas today.