Research confirms that some forms of massage help against low-back pain

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Research confirms that some forms of massage help against low-back pain

But not all techniques live up to the promises made for them

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-03/ifqa-rct032610.php

Most people have experienced back pain – and many hope that massage will relieve

it. But not all forms of massage have been scientifically proven to help against

low back pain. That is what the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in

Health Care (IQWiG) pointed out in information published on

informedhealthonline.org today.

Back pain often affects the lower back and can be a big physical and

psychological burden. " The cause of back pain is not always immediately clear, "

explains Professor Sawicki, the Institute's Director. " But low back pain

usually gets better on its own within a few weeks. " Back pain is only rarely

caused by a more serious health problem.

Classic massage, Thai massage and acupressure could help against low back pain

If low back pain does not get better on its own, massage therapy could be a

worthwhile option. " Research suggests that classic massage, Thai massage and

acupressure can relieve low back pain that has lasted longer than several

weeks, " says the Institute's Director. In classic (Swedish) massage the affected

area of skin and muscles are massaged, in Thai massage the limbs are pulled and

stretched, and acupressure involves applying pressure to certain points on the

body. " But relying on massage alone does not appear to be the best approach when

it comes to back pain " , adds Sawicki. Research indicates that people could

benefit more if they combine massages with exercises and stretching. In some

trials this combination of approaches led to better pain relief and mobility

compared to massage alone.

Not all massages are the same

" Not all forms of massage have been scientifically proven to help against

chronic back pain though, " concludes Sawicki. " So it is worth finding out about

the different techniques before deciding to have a certain type of massage. " An

overview of the most common forms of massage is now available on

informedhealthonline.org.