Back pain is something most individuals will experience in their lifetime. It is one of the top reasons why people visit a medical doctor and is also one of the hardest pain-related problems to treat. In most instances, the pain tends to go away after just a few weeks. People who have dealt with back pain for over 12 weeks know how disabling it can be and how it causes a burden on their daily life. When it comes to treating pain, most people will quickly go straight for the Advil or Ibuprofen in their medicine cabinet. Others choose more dangerous methods such as injections and surgery without even knowing there is a simpler and more effective treatment. Along with good health and exercise, massage therapy and chiropractic care can help relieve many cases of back pain.
Massage can help people suffering from back pain in a number of different ways. First, the massage strokes and techniques used in massage allow for increased blood flow and circulation, which brings needed nutrition to muscles and tissues. This helps the muscles recover from soreness and muscle strain from physical activity. Also, massage helps the muscles by decreasing the tension which promotes more relaxed muscles. In turn, this helps with flexibility and reduces the pain of those tight muscles. Another way massage therapy helps to relieve people with back pain is by increasing endorphin levels. Massage encourages the brain to release “feel good” chemicals throughout the body.
One thing to take into consideration when choosing massage for pain relief is knowing which type of massage actually works to relieve back pain. Generally, most people choose Swedish or deep tissue massage for back pain. These style of massages are focused on the larger muscle groups of the back. Chiropractic is another great option for alleviating back pain. There is lots of research available on how chiropractic can help individuals with back pain. Together, massage therapy and chiropractic can make a great alternative treatment option for back pain.