Massage therapy has become a popular form of alternative treatment for patients with lower back pain. There are ample research and studies that have been conducted as to how massage therapy helps treat lower back pain. With regular visits a massage therapist, patients with chronic lower back pain can find natural relief and decrease their dependence upon narcotic or opioid pain relievers. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, “Massage therapy encompasses many different techniques. In general, therapists press, rub, and otherwise manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. They most often use their hands and fingers, but may use their forearms, elbows, or feet.” There are different massage techniques used by specialists for the treatment of lower back pain. Adding massage therapy to your treatment regimen can prove invaluable for chronic pain sufferers, but especially those with chronic lower back pain. As a viable means to relieve pain and stress while avoiding the use of narcotic or opioid pain relievers, which can be addictive and ineffective for back pain, massage therapy is an excellent way to treat chronic lower back pains.
massage therapy is a great alternative to taking opioids or other painkillers
Benefits of Massage Therapy for Chronic Back Pain
There are numerous benefits to massage therapy for chronic back pain. The following are just some of the many advantages patients with chronic back pain should consider when thinking about starting massage therapy:
- Improved blood circulation: improved blood circulation ensures that enough blood and oxygen is flowing to the affected area thus promoting rebuilding of muscle.
- Relaxation of muscle for better range of motion: relaxed muscles mean better range of motion for movement. The more movement you can have the greater the chances of muscle stiffness and increased pain in the lower back.
- Increased Endorphin levels: Endorphins are generated in the musculature when receiving massage therapy, providing temporary pain relief and positive feelings, lessening the experience of pain for patients.
- Stress reduction means less overall pain: Multiple studies and definitive research have been done on the effects of stress and its link to pain intensity. Patients receiving consistent massage therapy have reduced stress due to the relaxing nature of massage which provides stress relief. Less stress allows the brain to ignore the continual pain signals associated with chronic back pain.
Combining massage therapy with other treatment forms can help patients get the relief they need without the need to rely upon narcotic or opioid pain relievers. Consider speaking with your doctor about the benefits of adding massage therapy to your treatment regimen.
Topical Compounds for Lower Back Pain
Do you or a loved one suffer from chronic back pain? Topical compounds have been shown to be an effective alternative treatment for lower back pain patients. Use of a topical compound is easy and affects only the areas of the body where the pain resides.
Narcotic pain relief has been receiving negative press recently with all of the adverse side effects associated with it. A non-addictive solution for pain management is topical compounds. Topical compounds can be applied directly to the area in question.