Massage Therapy for Low Back Pain

Low back pain is a common complaint, and at least 80% of the general population has back pain at some point in their life.   It is also important to keep in mind that most episodes of low back pain resolve within six weeks or less.  This is regardless, and in spite of, the multitude of therapies available for treatment.  It is distinctly unusual for low back pain to be the warning of a more serious problem.   The best book describing regional low back pain, its treatment and etiology, is Stabbed in the Back: Confronting Back Pain in an Overtreated Society, 2009, by Dr Nortin Hadler.  One significant take away from this book is a realization that most working age low back pain is more a symptom of work dissatisfication than medical morbidity.

One suggestion is to try McKenzie exercises for the back, described in detail on their website www.mckenziemdt.org   The McKensie assessment process involves evaluation of three mechanical syndromes: postural; dysfunction; and derangement. 

Also commonly used for back pain is chiropractic treatment.   Some studies do show effectiveness for short term treatment using this approach.

Another option for therapy is Osteopathic Manipulation.  Find a Doctor of Osteopathy who practices manipulation.  A doctor of osteopathy is trained identically with a doctor of medicine, with additional training in manipulation.  Their technique is different than a chiropractic treatment.

Also, deep tissue massage may be beneficial.  Three other therapies of interest which may be helpful are: Rolfing or Structural Integration-see www.rolf.org  ; Feldenkrais  see www.feldenkraisinstitute.com  or www.feldenkrais.com  for details; and the Alexander Technique www.alexandertechnique.com for further details.

Gentle daily yoga can strengthen the back, and also serve as a treatment modality.

It is important to try one of the above modalities, and try to avoid strong pharmaceuticals, especially narcotics, and most surgical interventions, unless medically indicated.  Another modality with possible efficacy is acupuncture with a qualified acupuncturist.