Back Pain and Massage Therapy

Back pain has many causes, which we discuss elsewhere on this site. In the United States, back pain is second only to headache as the complaint that sends people to the doctor.

Back Pain Relief

Back pain relief can often be as simple as massage therapy. Massage is a good option for back pain relief for a number of reasons.

* Massage is a non-invasive treatment for back pain relief.
* It is considered a very low risk for most people.
* It can increase blood flow and circulation to the area of back pain.
* It decreases tension in the muscles, reducing back pain.
* It can improve sleep.
* It is relaxing as well as physically beneficial.
* It has psychological benefits, as it releases endorphins.

Registered Massage Therapists

Registered massage therapists are trained to assess and diagnose soft tissue and joint injuries. They treat back pain with a blend of modern science and ancient philosophies.

Massage therapy is becoming more widely accepted in the medical community as a credible treatment for many types of back pain. Studies have shown that massage therapy can benefit back pain sufferers who have arthritis, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, and carious other soft tissue sprains and strains.

Estimates indicate that 75 percent of health care providers have sent back pain patients to registered massage therapists.

Why Massage Therapy Helps

Most episodes of acute lower back pain are caused by muscle strain. The sufferer may have lifted a heavy object, or twisted in moving something. The back pain may be a result of a traumatic injury such as a fall. Back pain can be very severe, and last from several hours to several weeks.

When back muscles are strained or torn, they can become inflamed. The inflammation can then cause muscles to spasm. This triggers lower back pain, and makes movement difficult.

Massage therapy can work out the spasm and irritation that are causing back pain. It can improve range of motion also.

Spinal Arthritis

In spinal arthritis, the joints of the spine become inflamed. Cartilage may begin to break down between aligning facet joints. As the facet joints become inflamed, they create frictional back pain, bone rubbing on bone. Massage therapy can help reduce osteoarthritis pain by improving circulation and reducing stress and muscle tension.

CAUTION: Although massage therapy is relatively safe, it is always advisable to check with your physician before undergoing any back pain relief treatment. Massage may not be suitable for your back pain condition.