Back Pain Relief with Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy benefits for the relief of back pain.

According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, back pain and related conditions are the top reasons adults use CAM. Research on CAM therapies for low back pain suggest that:

• Spinal manipulation can provide mild-to-moderate relief. It appears to be as effective as conventional treatments.
• Acupuncture is more effective than sham or no treatment in relieving pain and improving function. It is an effective complement to conventional treatments.
• A 2008 review of 13 clinical trials found evidence that massage might be useful for low back pain.
• Yoga is more effective than a self-care book for improving function and reducing pain. The benefits persist for at least several months.

Recently, the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society said these CAM therapies can serve as options for chronic back pain that does not improve with self-care.