Will Massage Help Lower Back Pain?
Will Massage Help Lower Back Pain?
Yes, massage therapy has been shown to reduce lower back pain for many people, especially when the pain is chronic or not caused by something like a fracture. Various studies indicate that massage therapy tends to give significant short-term pain relief and better functioning, but the effects may diminish with time without consistent bodywork.
Studies have provided evidence.
The most extensive one is the Cochrane Review of massage as a treatment for low-back pain (last update 2015), which investigated numerous randomized trials:
In the short term (acute or low back pain), massage is more effective in reducing pain than no treatment or control measures of an inactive nature.
In the short term (up to 6 months), in both subacute (4-12 weeks) and chronic (over 12 weeks) low back pain, the most prevalent forms, massage makes pain and function significantly better than usual care or sham.
Massage has been found to be more effective at relieving pain in short- and longer-term follow-ups than other active methods (such as exercise or physical therapy), but has less reliable results on function improvement.
Side effects are infrequent, and some of them include short-lived soreness
This is supported by more recent systematic reviews (2018-2023) with moderate-certainty evidence that massage provides small-to-moderate short-term pain-relief with chronic low back pain in comparison with no treatments. Other studies record that many of the participants were found to have realized clinically significant changes in some studies.
Both the American College of Physicians (ACP) and the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) recommend massage as a treatment option for chronic low back pain. The American College of Physicians' 2017 clinical practice guideline recommends massage as a nonpharmacologic treatment option for acute and subacute low back pain.
The World Health Organization (WHO) issued guidelines on chronic primary low back pain that include a conditional recommendation in favor of massage. The WHO notes that massage may provide short-term improvements in pain and function for adults with chronic primary low back pain. The WHO recommends that when massage is offered, it should be considered as part of a holistic suite of effective treatments based on a biopsychosocial assessment, not as a single intervention in isolation.
How Massage Helps
Massage works in several ways:
Loosens severely tense muscles and minimizes spasms, which can lead to pain.
Improves blood circulation, delivery of vital nutrients, and elimination of metabolic wastes.
Releases endorphins, which are the natural painkillers of the body.
Reduces stress and tension, which can increase back pain perception or, in some cases, contribute to the pain.
Important Considerations
It is not a miracle cure: Most of the benefits are short or medium-term, and massage is often most effective when received as part of a comprehensive treatment plan over a period such as 6-8 weeks.
Not advisable for all: Do not use, or use with caution and medical guidance, when your pain is the result of acute injury, infection, cancer, fracture, or severe disc problems. Always consult with your doctor beforehand.
Select certified therapists: Choose licensed professionals experienced in treating back pain. Search ABMP directory
The effects do not manifest uniformly: Most people feel relief, but the degree and timeline vary. Some experience dramatic improvement after the first session; others may require multiple sessions. Just as it takes time to develop pain, tension, and restrictions in connective tissue, it also takes time to release and restore proper tissue mobility.
In lower back pain that is chronic in nature, massage is a safe, evidence-based treatment that many have found beneficial. Massage has been seen providing short-term pain relief and functional improvements for many people. It's worth considering as part of a comprehensive pain management approach. Discuss with your healthcare provider before moving forward.
You don't have to just push through it, and there are practical tools to help. Maren's "Lower Back Pain Relief Guide" is a practical, easy-to-follow PDF you can come back to again and again; because relief shouldn't require a waiting room or a perfect schedule.
Disclaimer
The content in this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice specific to your situation before starting any new treatment or wellness routine.This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. As an affiliate, I only recommend products that I truly believe in from companies that I personally trust.
References
. (n.d.). Massage for low-back pain - Cochrane. https://www.cochrane.org/evidence/CD001929_massage-low-back-pain
. (2021, February 15). Clinical relevance of massage therapy and abdominal hypopressive ... https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09638288.2021.1884903
. (n.d.). Use of Massage Therapy for Pain, 2018-2023 - JAMA Network. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2821154
. (2017, April 4). Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back …. https://www.ovid.com/journals/aime/fulltext/00000605-201704040-00010~noninvasive-treatments-for-acute-subacute-and-chronic-low
. (n.d.). American College of Physicians issues guideline for treating ... https://www.acponline.org/acp-newsroom/american-college-of-physicians-issues-guideline-for-treating-nonradicular-low-back-pain
. (2017, September 15). Low Back Pain: American College of Physicians Practice Guideline on ... https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0915/p407