Infrared Sauna, Sauna

Is Infrared Sauna Back Pain Therapy Effective? How Heat Provides Relief and Relaxation

Are you one of the millions of people who suffer from back pain? More than a quarter of adults are reported to miss workdays due to it, according to a large survey.

There are many different treatments for back pain, including topical pain relievers, over-the-counter medications, surgery, and physical therapy. One treatment that is growing in popularity is infrared sauna therapy.

Infrared saunas emit energy that helps improve blood circulation and remove toxins from the body, among other benefits. This can have a positive effect on back pain sufferers.

In this blog post, we will discuss the effects of infrared sauna therapy on back pain and why it is an effective treatment option.

Infrared Saunas And How They Work To Provide Back Pain Relief

Sauna bathing is an age-old practice that has been used to improve health and well-being for centuries.

Infrared saunas emit energy in the form of infrared light. This energy penetrates deep into the tissue, where it helps improve blood circulation and remove toxins from the body.

The heat from the infrared light also helps loosen tight muscles and joints, providing relief for acute back pain sufferers.

In addition, the sweat that is produced during a session in a sauna can help flush out toxins from the body.

Many people find that repeated thermal therapy can help break the back pain cycle.

Top 6 Benefits Of Using Infrared Sauna Therapy For Back Pain

There are many benefits to using infrared sauna back pain therapy. Some of these infrared sauna benefits include:

Infrared Saunas Improve Blood Circulation Or Increase Blood Flow

Increased circulation can help improve the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the muscles and tissues, which can help reduce inflammation and pain.

With the dilation of blood vessels around the lumbar spine, this is possible. Inflammation can be beneficial in a number of situations, such as joint or muscular pains.

Heat Therapy Reduces Inflammation

The heat from the infrared light and the sweat that is produced during a session can help reduce inflammation in the body. This can be beneficial for people with back pain who have chronic inflammation.

As explained above, when the body’s heat penetrates it and opens up the blood vessels, nutrients and oxygen are able to flow more freely to the muscles.

This relieves the transmission of pain signals to the brain, which begins a healing and pain relief process for injured tissue and reduces inflammation.

Infrared Saunas Help Flush Out Toxins

An infrared sauna session can improve the detoxification process in your body. This is possible by the sweat that is produced during heat therapy.

Sweating helps the body to get rid of toxins, including heavy metals, environmental pollutants, and other harmful chemicals.

The combination of increased blood circulation and toxin elimination can be highly beneficial for people with back pain.

Moreover, this can be helpful for people with back pain who are struggling with toxicity issues.

Infrared Sauna Sessions Lead To Improved Joint Function

The heat from the infrared light can help relax sore muscles and joints, which can improve joint function. When your body perceives pain, “guarding reactions” is activated.

These include limited movement and tension in the muscles. These contribute to muscle spasms and nerve sensitivity – both of which aid intensify the pain.

Infrared Sauna Therapy Reduces Muscle Stiffness

Considered to be muscle relaxers, the heat from the infrared light and the sweat that is produced during a session can help reduce muscle stiffness. This can be beneficial for people with back pain who have chronic muscle stiffness.

Regular Sauna Use Enhances Relaxation

Stress is often a contributor to back pain. When you are stressed, your body releases hormones such as cortisol that can increase inflammation and pain.

Sitting in an infrared sauna can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. This can be helpful for people who deal with chronic stress and chronic fatigue syndrome which contribute to making their back pain worse. It can leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed after your session.

Do Saunas Help With Other Body Pains Too?

Yes! An infrared sauna may help with a variety of ailments. The infrared rays penetrate the body at every angle and throughout the entire body, reducing pain and expediting the healing process.

If you have knee, shoulder, neck, elbow, headaches, foot pain, or sore or achy muscles, the radiant heat from a sauna will spread throughout your muscles and connective tissues.

Pain Research And Studies Proving The Effects Of Infrared Saunas On Chronic Pain

There is a growing body of scientific evidence that supports the use of infrared saunas for chronic pain relief.

A study published in the journal Pain Medicine found that regular sessions in an infrared sauna led to significant reductions in pain and stiffness in people with arthritis.

Another study published in the journal Sauna revealed that using an infrared sauna for 30 minutes per day resulted in a significant pain reduction and improved function in people with chronic low back pain.

In another pain research, the patient spends 15 minutes in an infrared sauna and then goes into bed rest for 30 minutes in a room at roughly body temperature, wrapped in a blanket up to the neck.

The study found that patients lost about half their pain reduced by 50% with single treatments and sustained those benefits for 10 treatments.

Ideal Infrared Heat Temperature In Relieving Pain And Sore Muscles

When using an infrared sauna to relieve back pain, it is important to find the right infrared heat temperature.

The ideal heat temperature for relieving back pain and muscle spasms is around 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This infrared heat is hot enough to provide relief, but not so hot that it will be uncomfortable.

How Long Should You Have A Sauna Session For Back Pain Relief?

The length of time that you should use an infrared sauna for back pain remedy will vary depending on your individual situation.

However, most people find that regular sessions in an infrared sauna provide the best results. If you are new to infrared therapy, we recommend starting with a session of 30-60 minutes per day.

7 Tips To Use An Infrared Sauna Safely And Effectively

Before using infrared saunas for back pain relief, it is important to understand how to use them safely and effectively.

  • What to wear in sauna? Wear light, loose-fitting clothing to allow your skin to breathe.
  • Take breaks every 15 minutes or so to move around and drink more water.
  • Avoid eating a heavy meal before your session. Opt for lighter snacks instead.
  • Stay well hydrated by drinking lots of fluids before, during, and after your session.
  • Drink detox teas before and after your session to help flush out toxins.
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle for the best results.

If you experience any discomfort or pain during your session, stop immediately and consult a health professional.

What Should I Look For In An Infrared Sauna?

It’s clear that infrared sauna therapy has a variety of advantages, but not all are the same.

Look for manufacturers who are conducting EMF or electromagnetic field research and testing high doses might be harmful to you, especially if you use it frequently.

People Who Are Not Recommended To Use Infrared Saunas

There are a few people who should avoid using infrared saunas. People with high blood pressure, heart disease, or pregnant women should not use an infrared sauna.

If you are unsure whether infrared therapy is right for you or if you have a very low risk of getting severe reactions, consult your health care provider before starting a session.

Potential Side Effects Of Infrared Sauna Therapy For Back Pain Relief

As with any treatment, there are some potential side effects of infrared sauna therapy in relieving chronic back pain.

Some people may experience a mild headache after using an infrared sauna. This is due to the increased blood circulation that occurs during a session.

Others may find that they sweat more than usual when using an infrared sauna. This is normal and can be beneficial for detoxification.

Finally, if you have any health conditions, please consult your doctor before starting infrared sauna therapy.

Conclusion

If you are suffering from chronic back pain, infrared sauna therapy may be a good treatment option for you.

The heat and energy from the infrared light can help loosen tight muscles and joints, reduce inflammation, and promote muscle relaxation. Sessions in an infrared sauna can also help flush out toxins from the body.

In addition, infrared sauna back pain therapy is a non-invasive treatment option, which makes it a desirable choice for many people. Plus the fact that infrared saunas are affordable and easy to use!

 

If you are considering using infrared therapy to break your pain cycle, get your own portable infrared unit today!

 

References

  • ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5941775/
  • ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2539004/
  • time.com/4481947/infrared-sauna-benefits-healthy/
Cathryn McMillan

As a health and lifestyle enthusiast, Cathryn have always found the sauna and its healing effects fascinating. This life-changing technology transform her from a casual researcher into a passionate fan. A relaxing session at her at-home sauna unit has become a no-skip routine for her.