The Annals of Internal Medicine published a study investigating massage therapy compared to medical care for chronic back Pain. Low back pain can affect up to 80% of the population. When a doctor treats low back pain, the main goal is to decrease the pain and help the individual return to their usual activities. Those with low back pain may be confused by the different treatments that are offered by different medical specialist. Doctors of chiropractic, medical doctors, physical therapist, and massage therapists have different tools to address back pain.

USUAL MEDICAL CARE FOR BACK PAIN

The medical researchers in this study compared “usual medical treatment” to massage therapy for back pain lasting for more than three months in 401 individuals. For purposes of the study, they defined usual medical care as pain killers, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, back exercises, and education about ways to deal with the current back pain and prevent future back pain.

First, the researchers measured the participants’ symptoms and the effect of their back pain upon their daily activities. The participants were randomly assigned to the “massage group” or the “usual medical treatment group”. Those in the massage group received a one-hour massage once a week for 10 weeks. The effects were measured after 10 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months.