In-depth information about using massage therapy and other massage related treatments and how to choose a massage chair for back pain relief
Ahh... ice massage for pain relief
Updated April
24, 2006
Most episodes of back pain are caused by muscle strain. When injured, the large
muscles in the low back can become inflamed and spasm, causing low back pain
and significant stiffness. Ice massage therapy can provide pain relief by slowing
the inflammation and swelling that occurs after back injury and muscle strain,
helping to slow the nerve impulses in the affected area. Read
more...
By: Stephen H. Hochschuler, MD
Manual physical therapy
for pain relief
January 13, 2006
Sometimes called “hands-on physical therapy”, manual physical therapy
uses no devices or machines. With this technique, therapists use only their hands
to reduce back muscle tension and restore mobility to stiff joints in an effort
to allow the patient more natural movement and pain relief. Read
more...
By: Robert J. Daul, MPT
More spinal arthritis
treatments
May 25, 2005
It is important to get an accurate diagnosis and find the best treatments for
pain from spinal arthritis. Some patients find relief from a combination of conservative
(including alternative) treatments, such as manipulation, massage therapy, relaxation,
TENS, acupuncture, support devices, weight control, and healthy lifestyle choices. Read
more...
By: Vert Mooney, MD
Massage chairs for pain relief
November 25, 2003
A good hands-on massage can play a crucial role in alleviating back pain. Similarly,
newer massage chair technologies are designed to provide some measure of relief
from many types of back pain. This article includes information on benefits
of a massage chair for people with back pain, and guidelines on how to choose
a massage chair. Read more...
By: Peter Schubbe, DC
The Graston Technique:
a new manual therapy for back pain (Research article)
August 5, 2003
This form of manual therapy for back pain incorporates the use of stainless-steel
instruments. The goal of the therapy is to separate and break down the scar
tissue, as well as stretch connective tissue and muscle fibers. The practitioner
uses a cross-friction massage, which involves brushing or rubbing against the
grain of the scar tissue. Read
more...
By: Thomas E. Hyde, DC
Massage therapy for back pain
May 10, 2002
The use of massage therapy for back pain has more than doubled in recent years.
In addition to its positive affects on muscle relaxation, one of the greatest
benefits of massage therapy is the release of endorphins, which can be quite
helpful in managing chronic back pain. The American Academy of Pain Management
recognizes neuromuscular massage therapy as an effective treatment for back
pain caused by soft tissue injury (such as a muscle strain). Read
more...
By: Beth Mueller, RMT
Back-to-Back: Ergonomic office
chairs and back support
In this section, patients share their advice about finding a comfortable
ergonomic office chair and using proper back support while sitting in office
chairs for long periods of time. Be sure to submit your own response as a resource
for other patients trying to find a good office chair! Read
more...
Take control of your back
pain – Spine-health.com Newsletter
In addition to finding the right type of spine specialist(s) to diagnose and
treat the cause of your pain, there are lots of things you can do on your own
to help manage pain. This newsletter profiles some lesser known pain management
strategies that have proven beneficial for many back pain sufferers include
sleeping on a high-quality mattress and pillow, exercising, and weight loss
(where appropriate). Read
more...
Five ways to keep your spine
healthy and happy - Spine-health.com Newsletter
Due to the complexity of spinal anatomy and its connections to the rest
of the body, keeping the back in top condition is important for overall health.
This newsletter discusses a number of simple things you can try (such as massage
therapy) to help keep your spine as healthy as possible and minimize complications
from your back condition and/or prevent future painful episodes. Read
more...
Non-medical care alternatives
for back pain - Spine-health.com Newsletter
This newsletter covers several non-medical treatment alternatives, such as
Pilates, acupuncture, Tai Chi, yoga and massage therapy for people trying to
manage their back condition. Gentle exercise, stretching and relaxation
can be extremely helpful for back pain relief and chronic pain management. Read
more...
Make your back comfortable
- Spine-health.com Newsletter
This newsletter includes ideas on how to treat yourself with some back products
and activities to make your back more comfortable, such as choosing a good
mattress and pillow for back support and sleep comfort, and massage therapy
and heat therapy to improve blood circulation and help the healing process. Read
more...
Your non-surgical care options
- Spine-health.com Newsletter
Becoming educated about a full range of treatment options for back pain and
receiving the best spine care is on ongoing challenge for many patients. This
newsletter provides information on a range of non-surgical treatment options,
such as ice massage therapy and passive physical therapy, as well as advice
about seeing a spine surgeon for your back conditions. Read
more...
Please note that these additional patient resources (such as The Back-to-Back Forum and Newsletters) on Spine-health.com are not peer-reviewed by the Spine-health.com Medical Advisory Board. They are provided as additional resources for patients to learn from each others’ experiences and to gain information from our popular newsletters.
