Research Indicates Massage Therapy Can Help Relieve Lower Back Pain

Anyone who has never experienced lower back pain is lucky. Lower back pain is pervasive globally and is the single leading cause of disability. Massage for lower back pain is one of the most common reasons clients seek massage therapy. The World Health Organization reports:[1]

 

·         Low back pain (LBP) affected 619 million people globally in 2020. By 2050, it is estimated this figure will grow to 843 million by 2050.

 

·         LBP is the single leading cause of disability worldwide.

 

·         The highest number of LBP cases occur at ages of 50-55. However, you can experience LBP at any age. Most people will experience it at least once in their lifetime.

 

·         The most common presentation of LBP (about 90% of cases) is non-specific.

 

Causes of LBP fuel demand for massage for sore lower back

 

The cause of LBP driving clients to seek massage for lower back pain varies. It may result from an injury (strain) in the back muscles and tendons. Other factors include arthritis, disk injuries and structural back problems.

 

While it is nonspecific 90% of the time, LBP can be the result of an underlying disease, tissue damage or may be referred from other organs, such as kidney or aortic aneurysm.[2]

 

Risk factors, besides age, include:

 

·         Overweight or obese: Excess body weight, particularly around the abdomen, puts extra strain on the spine. This can contribute to lower back pain.

·         Poor core strength: Weak abdominal muscle cannot support the spine, leading to back strains and sprains.

·         Occupation and hobbies: Jobs and activities that require heavy lifting or frequent bending increase the risk.

·         Poor posture: Poor posture puts unnecessary strain on the lower back, resulting in pain over time.

 

Research on massage therapy for lower back pain

 

Several research studies have shown the positive outcomes of massage therapy for lower back pain although more research is needed.

 

“The Kentucky Pain Research and Outcomes Study” evaluated the impact of massage on pain, disability, and health-related quality of life for primary care patients with chronic low back pain. Under the study, primary care providers referred eligible patients to community practicing licensed massage therapists for 10 massage sessions. Of 104 enrolled patients, 85 and 76 completed 12 and 24 weeks of data collection, respectively. The results provided a meaningful signal of massage effect for primary care patients with chronic low back pain. Based on the results, researchers called for further research in practice settings using pragmatic designs with control groups.[3]

 

Another recent study compared the effects of connective tissue massage and classical massage on chronic mechanical low back pain. Under the study, 70 patients were randomly assigned to either a connective tissue massage group or a classical massage group, receiving a 4-week treatment regimen of hot packs, exercises, and massage therapy sessions. Before and after the treatment and in a six-week follow up, the study evaluated pain intensity, autonomic responses (heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature), disability, quality of life and sleep quality. The study found both types of massage significantly reduced pain and improved disability, quality of life, and sleep quality, with classical massage showing a more pronounced pain reduction by the second week.[4]

 

Best types of massage for lower back pain

 

The goal of massage therapy for lower back pain include: [5]

 

·         Reduce stiffness in the muscles and tendons.

·         Improve tissue elasticity and increase the range of motion of joints.

·         Decrease inflammation and swelling in the soft tissues.

·         Reduce scar tissue formation.

·         Increase circulation in the muscles, which in turn promotes nutrient exchange and removal of toxins, decreasing pain.

 

Here is how various techniques can help:

 

Swedish: Swedish massage aims to relieve muscle tension and promotes soft tissue relaxation. A 2023 study found that Swedish Massage combined with exercise therapy could be more effective for reducing lower back pain and back pain disability compared to exercise therapy alone. Further studies are needed.[6]

 

Deep Tissue: Deep Tissue Massage helps to improve circulation and relax muscle knots. It also releases painful bands of tissues called adhesions. The study of 59 participants with chronic low back pain aimed to determine if Deep Tissue Massage produced similar results as therapy consisting of both Deep Tissue Massage and a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).  The study found that the reduction in pain from Deep Tissue Massage was like the reduced pain from a combined therapy of Deep Tissue Massage and NSAID.[7]

 

Hot Stone: Hot stone massage boosts circulation relaxes muscles and soft tissue and promotes healing. A study conducted in 2024 found that hot stone massage three times a week was more effective in relieving chronic back pain compared with guideline-recommended flurbiprofen (NSAID) patch. [8]

 

Shiatsu: The deep, firm pressure along specific points on the body may help improve circulation, promote relaxation, and relieve muscular tension. It also helps relieve toxins. A small study of 59 people conducted in 2019 found Shiatsu therapy combined with standard care for lower back pain improves some symptoms and quality of life shortly after the Shiatsu therapy.[9]

 

Based on input from a client, pick the massage therapy that best suits their needs.