I Figured Out How To Use a Massage Gun on The Lower Back

Lower back pain is one of the most common problems affecting modern society, experienced by millions across the globe. There are many potential causes for lower back pain. Interestingly, the most common type of lower back pain is what is called idiopathic. That means there is no known cause. The cause is most likely related to daily habits, such as standing or sitting all day, something most of us are guilty of. Lower back pain is usually associated with back muscle tension and tightness. A massage gun can be a great tool to help you relieve muscle tension and tightness.

Before getting into how to use a massage gun on the lower back, it is important to stress how crucial it is to consult with your healthcare provider. A massage can be very effective but can also be harmful if used incorrectly. It is also contraindicated with certain underlying conditions that cause back pain. These conditions include, but are not limited to, different types of arthritis, osteoporosis, fractures, acute injuries, or inflammatory conditions. Massage guns should also not be used if you are on certain medications, such as blood thinners. Using a massage gun in these situations can lead to bleeding or bruising.

Use the sphere head of the massage gun

Now let’s get into answering the question. Starting out with the massager head. Always start with the sphere head, which can go under different names with different manufacturers. That would be the big puffy foam head. Most if not all massage guns will have one of those. Not only do I recommend in this situation, but whenever in doubt of what massage head to use, it should be your go-to head. That is because it will be the safest as it spreads the force over a greater area, lowering pressure. Once you are comfortable using a massage gun and want more pressure, you can upgrade to a different head. The fork or U-shaped head can be helpful here as it acts on the muscle right next to the spine, without touching the vertebrae. It may be more difficult to control if you are applying the massage yourself; if that is the case, more pressure can be achieved with something like the bullet head. The only difference is that the bullet head will be used on one side at a time.

How to manage massage gun speed

Always start at a low speed and get a feel for it. There are no specific standards to this as each individual is different. So, start slow and gradually increase. Duration should not exceed one minute per muscle at first. Gradually increase the time to a maximum of two minutes. Apply the massager head to your back muscles, on each side of the spine (one side at a time), and gradually move it downwards until you reach your pelvis (hip region). This is something I would do once or twice a week or on days when you come home really feeling the tension in your back.

Lower back massager application can be done solo

A big question is, is this a one-person job or do I need someone else? Someone else will definitely make it easier. However, it's still doable if you do not have anyone. Many people are surprised by how their arm can turn to allow them to apply the massager. Although applying the massager perpendicularly will be difficult, using the sphere head will help apply vibration to the muscles, even if it is just applied from the side. There are other ways to use a massage gun on the lower back by yourself, such as using an attachment that helps reach or using a mounting.

A lower back massager is an effective way to help back muscles feel better on a bad day.