The Benefits of Massage for Chronic Back Pain
Over 31 million U.S. adults experience lower back pain at any given time. This condition is one of the most common reasons for missed work, and the single leading cause of disability worldwide. Statistics indicate that up to 80 percent of people will experience back pain at some point. Symptoms can range from a dull ache to sudden, sharp pain.
From ice and cold therapy to massage and medications, there are various ways to relieve chronic back pain. Massage therapy appears to be one of the safest and most effective treatments available today. Several studies have shown that people who receive massage reported feeling less pain, anxiety, and depression compared to the placebo group.
Health care professionals worldwide recommend massage therapy for sciatica, herniated disks, spinal stenosis, and other conditions causing back pain. This non-invasive treatment has several potential benefits, including:
- Reduced muscle tension
- Increased flexibility and range of motion
- Improved blood flow and circulation
- Higher endorphin levels
- Lower rates of depression and anxiety
- Better mood
- Improved sleep
- Injury prevention
- Increased joint flexibility
These factors combined can help ease chronic back pain and restore your mobility. Whether pain is due to structural dysfunctions, compression of nerves, or limited mobility of the pelvic and vertebral joints, massage therapy can relieve your symptoms. Depending on your needs, you can opt for deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, hot stone massage, trigger point massage, or sports massage.
This therapy relaxes the muscles and improves mental well-being, which can help reduce pain and speed up healing. It also decreases the stress and anxiety associated with chronic pain, allowing you to resume your daily activities. The benefits of massage therapy go beyond pain relief. Regular sessions can relieve digestive discomfort, headaches, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, sleep disorders, and stress-related conditions.
