Can Massage Chairs Hurt Your Back?

When you think of getting a massage, pain doesn’t typically come to mind. But that’s what some people are concerned with when using massage chairs.

Getting a massage from a chair, be it in a clinic or your living room, sounds like a great idea. However, as with any device you use for medical purposes, it’s important to learn all you can about it.

So if you’re planning on buying a massage chair or currently have one, then this guide is for you. Now, let’s answer the question, “Can massage chairs hurt your back?”

Can Massage Chairs Hurt Your Back?

The term hurt is a bit much when it comes to describing what massage chairs can do for your back.

Hurt is oftentimes associated with injury – so do massage chairs injure your back? No.

However, after using massage chairs, you may feel pain. And this happens because the vibrations cause small tears in your muscle and connective tissue.

This is similar to what happens when you exercise or lift heavy objects.

And since your body is new to the pressure, it causes stress.

The same thing happens with massage chairs. However, the soreness you feel afterward shouldn’t last too long.

If you have herniated discs or pinched nerves, massage chairs can aggravate them.

How to Reduce Pain Caused By Massage Chairs

Using a massage chair can offer more pros than cons. It all comes down to using the device properly.

This is why we recommend starting off with short sessions, then working your way up.

Minor muscle soreness is common and is due to inflammation — a normal response to stress.

So the process looks like this: stiffness, soreness and then repair.

Once your body adjusts, the massage chair will stop producing pain.

After this happens, you can use the massage chair more frequently and for longer sessions.

In worst case scenarios, you can resort to the RICE technique: rest, ice, compress and elevate.

Here are some other tips you can use to minimize the pain you get when using a massage chair.

Take the Time to Adjust

You can imagine your first sessions on a massage chair to be a lot like working out for the first time. There will be muscle soreness within your first two to three sessions.

Then around your 5th session, you should start to witness improvements.

Adjust the Intensity Settings

Most massage chairs come with settings for the intensity of the massage.

Obviously, you want to begin with the lowest and then work your way up. As the pain subsides, you can increase the level of intensity.

The purpose of your massage chair is to work out kinks and knots in your back.

This may cause some discomfort, but it shouldn’t lead to excruciating pain.

Find Massage Chairs at OSIM

It’s time to relieve your back pain with a high-quality massage chair.

The model of the chair you purchase can make a difference for your back health.

So if you’re wondering can massage chairs hurt your back, then you’ll find it’s all in the build of the chair.

Some have better settings you can use to make the session more comfortable for you.

Browse around our site today to shop for your next massage chair. And if you have questions, feel free to contact us!