Approximately 16 million adults in the U.S. experience chronic back pain, making it one of the most prominent medical concerns in the country. In many cases, chronic back pain prevents patients from taking part in their favorite activities and may make it more difficult to carry out basic daily tasks.
Massage therapy is a gentle yet effective method for managing chronic back pain. It relieves tension and promotes relaxation so that patients with back pain can more comfortably get through the day.
The key benefits of massage therapy for chronic back pain include:
Reduced Tension
People with persistent back pain typically experience tension and stress in the back muscles. There are several different massage therapy techniques that can alleviate back tension, including trigger point therapy, Swedish massage, and deep tissue massage.
By reducing tension in the back muscles, massage therapy can effectively lessen pain and stiffness.
Greater Range of Motion
A limited range of motion is a common complaint among people with chronic back pain and can contribute to back pain-related disability. Massage therapy promotes muscle relaxation, which can improve your range of motion over time. This may restore your ability to complete daily tasks and partake in various activities.
Improved Circulation
Blood carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, both of which promote healing. Massage therapy triggers increased circulation to the targeted areas, which can speed up the recovery process for injuries and conditions that cause chronic back pain.
Circulation also promotes muscle repair and growth. Oftentimes, patients with spinal conditions experience chronic back pain and lack strength in the muscles that support the spine. By helping to rebuild these muscles, massage therapy can take the stress off of the spinal structures.
Higher Sleep Quality
An estimated 50% to 80% of people with chronic pain, including chronic back pain, experience sleep issues. Considering that poor sleep quality can exacerbate back pain, sleep problems and chronic back pain can create a vicious cycle.
Massage therapy promotes feelings of relaxation, as well as the release of serotonin, a “feel-good” neurotransmitter. Serotonin is the precursor to melatonin, which is a hormone that helps regulate your sleep cycle.
By increasing serotonin levels, massage therapy can help restore a healthy sleep cycle and improve your quality of sleep. Over time, getting a good night of sleep each night will support your recovery from back pain.
Massage Therapy As Part of Your Back Pain Treatment Plan
At Wasserman Chiropractic, our skilled massage therapists offer several massage techniques to help our patients recover from various injuries and conditions, including chronic back pain. Whether used alone or in conjunction with other treatments, such as chiropractic care and physical therapy, massage therapy can greatly benefit your recovery process.
Additionally, massage therapy is safe, natural, and non-invasive. This makes it an excellent choice for all of our patients, including those with underlying conditions.
Contact Wasserman Chiropractic today to schedule an appointment.
