Back pain and neck pain are the most common reasons people seek treatment from a massage therapist. Massage therapy relieves back pain by undoing painful muscle spasms, reduces knots and triggerpoints, increasing blood flow to the muscles to nourish cells and speed tissue repair, increasing circulation of lymphatic system to flush out waste products that have built up in tissues and reduce inflammation, softening and breaking up scar tissue and adhesions (many old back injuries leave scar tissue that can contract and cause back pain). Massage therapy also induces relaxation, lowers blood pressure levels, lowers stress hormone levels, and reduces anxiety and depression and pain perception. This makes massage therapy a good choice of treatment for chronic back pain, breaking the vicious cycle of pain producing tension and tension producing or intensifying pain.

There are different methods of massage therapy. Deep tissue massage therapy uses great pressure while kneading and manipulating the deeper muscles and tendons. It is good for treating back pain caused by muscle spasms or chronic muscular tension. The back pain relief provided by massage therapy from loosening of muscles is augmented by the benefits of contact with the skin, which seems to have a great influence on mood and pain perception.

Alex Nolis RMT

There is evidence that chiropractic relieves many types of back pain, lower back pain in particular, and helps restore normal range of motion. Spinal manipulations may take stress off surrounding tissues - muscles, tendons, and ligaments - to relieve back pain and restore normal functioning. Some chiropractors follow scientific guidelines and only do manipulations for people with neuromusculoskeletal problems. Chiropractors often work with doctors in treating back pain.

What does a chiropractor do to relieve back pain?
Chiropractors correct subluxation by manipulation of the vertebrae (and sometimes other areas of the body). Chiropractors call this an adjustment. Spinal adjustments are usually done manually, the chiropractor using his or her hands to apply pressure to the spine to coax the vertebrae into proper alignment. Chiropractors usually massage and stretch muscles before doing an adjustment. This allows the vertebrae to more easily manipulated. Chiropractors also give advice on ergonomics, exercise, and proper body mechanics to prevent back pain. Patients are given stretching and strengthening exercises to do as homecare, to lengthening and strengthening various muscle groups to help keep the spine in proper alignment.

Chiropractic Treatment and Massage Therapy go hand in hand for back pain relief.
Chiropractors often work with massage therapists in treating back pain. Tight, tense muscles can pull the vertebrae out of alignment. A massage before a chiropractic treatment will help the body respond to the care given and decrease any soreness post-treatment. Once the chiropractor has made an adjustment to the spine, stretching the muscles can help keep the adjustment in place. It is also difficult for the chiropractor to perform an adjustment on a person who has tense back muscles. A multi-treatment approach to relieving back pain has often has the best success rate.

Josie Scarpitti DC