Back pain can be a symptom of an underlying condition. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons notes that back pain most frequently results from sudden overuse of muscles, such as that resulting from playing a sport after inactive periods. Back pain also occurs from disk injuries, disk degenerations such as osteoarthritis, and spinal stenosis---pressure that occurs on the spinal cord and nerves from a narrowing of the cord.
Pain Relief Process
Massage's relaxation benefits are well known, but massage can also help with pain relief. Dale Healey, DC, Dean of the School of Massage Therapy at Northwestern Health Sciences University, notes that massage can help to ease chronic pain, and this includes back pain. Pain is reduced when massage lessens muscle tension and enhances circulation. Increased circulation results in muscles being refreshed with oxygen and nutrients, and causes toxins and waste products to be flushed out of the body's system.
Massage Techniques
Massage therapists can use different massage modalities, or techniques, on back pain. Rheumatologist Dr. Nathan Wei notes that many therapists combine more than one technique. Swedish massage is the method most frequently used and involves longer strokes and gentle movements that affect surface muscles. The deep tissue method uses more force and reaches a deeper muscle layer. Shiatsu massage can also be used for back pain.
Lower Back Pain
Massage therapy has been shown to decrease pain in the lower part of the back. A Touch Research Institute study, conducted at the University of Miami in 2001, illustrated that patients who received massage therapy also reported less anxiety and depression. In addition, some health care providers are encouraging patients to use massage therapy along with conventional lower back pain treatments.
Prenatal Sciatic Nerve Pain
Many women in late pregnancy experience sciatic pain as the uterus rests on the lower back and pelvic floor muscles. This pressure transfers tension to upper and lower leg muscles, which swell and place pressure on adjacent nerves. The American Pregnancy Association notes that regular massage therapy helps to reduce the muscle tension, which in turn helps to reduce the sciatic nerve pain.
Warning
Although massage has helped many back pain patients, the University of Maryland Medical Center cautions against receiving a massage too vigorous for your overall medical condition. A pregnant woman should consult with her physician before scheduling a massage and may want to work only with a therapist trained in prenatal massage. Finally, back patients with phlebitis, bleeding disorders or contagious skin ailments should not receive a massage.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Low Back Pain
- Northwestern Health Sciences University: Massage Therapy Works for a Variety of Health Conditions
- Arthritis-Treatment-and-Relief: Massage Therapy Techniques for Low Back and Hip Pain
- Spine-Health: Massage Therapy for Lower Back Pain
- American Pregnancy Association: Massage During Pregnancy
