Using Back Walking to Relieve Chronic Low Back Pain

Using Back Walking to Relieve Low Back Pain

Having someone walk on your back, also called back walking, can provide relief for some types of low back pain. When performed correctly, the pressure applied by the walker's feet can gently stretch tight muscles and joints while promoting circulation.

However, back walking does come with some risks if not done properly. Working with an experienced massage therapist or physical therapist ensures the technique is used safely and appropriately for your condition.

How Back Walking Relieves Low Back Pain

This unique therapy utilizes body weight and movement to produce a gentle mobilization of the spine and surrounding tissues. Benefits include:

• Loosen tight muscles and ligaments
• Improve mobility of spinal joints
• Enhance circulation
• Calm overactive nerves
• Relax the central nervous system

Conditions That Respond Best to Back Walking

While results vary on an individual basis, the following chronic back pain conditions often improve most with back walking treatment:

• Low back muscle tension
• Lumbar arthritis
• Spinal joint stiffness
• Spasms & sprains
• Herniated lumbar discs
• Sciatica

Who Should Avoid Back Walking?

If you have any of the following vulnerable conditions, the risks likely outweigh potential rewards:

• Osteoporosis
• Compression fractures
• Structural instability of spine
• Recent fractures or surgery
• Hemophilia or use blood thinners

Pregnancy is also an absolute contraindication due to danger to the fetus from direct pressure.

How to Prepare for Your Initial Back Walking Session

Wear Comfortable, Loose Clothing

Dress in workout pants, shorts, or underwear to expose your full back. Tighter clothing can bunch up and cause discomfort during the treatment.

Talk About Your Back Health History

Giving your provider a complete medical history allows them to decide if back walking is appropriate or modify areas to avoid. Note any vulnerable conditions or past injuries.

Start Slowly and Work Up

During the first session, lighter pressure is used until your response and tolerance is assessed. Weight and pace increase gradually on following visits as your back adapts.

Have Realistic Expectations

View back walking as a helpful addition to other treatments, not a cure-all. It takes multiple sessions over weeks or months to see improvements for chronic back problems.

What to Expect During a Back Walking Session

You'll Remove Your Shoes

Bare feet allow the provider to grasp your ankles and balance better during the walk. It also enhances sensitivity for gauge appropriate pressure.

Lying Face Down to Start

Begin by lying flat on your stomach to allow muscles to relax. This facedown position is held throughout the full treatment session.

Feet on Either Side of Spine

The walker stands barefoot near your head then places one foot slowly on each side of your spine. This provides stability for them while protecting your spine.

Hands Used for Balance

They firmly grasp your ankles to distribute weight evenly on both feet. Your ankles also provide balance as they start slowly walking down your back.

Pressure Varies on Different Areas

Light, Even pressure is used over bone to prevent injury. More bodyweight gets gradually applied to fleshy muscle areas capable of deeper tissue mobilization.

What Does Back Walking Feel Like?

Expect an Intense Massage

Imagine lying face down while someone walks down your back. The sensation is much like receiving deep compression massage strokes from feet instead of hands.

It Often Feels Uncomfortable Initially

Some muscle soreness and joint stiffness is common when treatment begins. As your back limbers up, this temporary discomfort starts fading over subsequent sessions.

Range From Relaxing to Intense

On bony spine areas it mimics light massage. Over thick muscle groups, the bodyweight pressure penetrates deeply with an intense sensation relied upon to relieve built up muscle tension.

What Happens After Your Back Walking Session?

Expect Some Muscle Soreness

Post-treatment muscle achiness is common and merely indicates tissue mobilization is working. Stay hydrated and use heat, rest breaks between sessions if very sore.

Follow Aftercare Instructions

Avoid exercise, hot baths, heavy lifting for 24 hours so your back stabilizes in its new alignment. Modify activity until next appointment as recommended.

Schedule Regular Maintenance Sessions

While initial visits may be weekly, ongoing maintenance every 2-6 weeks reinforce progress as your back pain improves long-term.

Back Walking Precautions

When performed by qualified providers, risks are minimal. Still, certain precautions must be taken:

• Avoid spine bones & vulnerable areas
• Adapt pressure carefully
• Stop immediately if worsened pain
• Assist clients on & off the table
• Have client remain passive, quiet & relaxed

Adhering strictly to safety measures ensures back walking remains an effective option for chronic back pain.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.