Massage can help reduce back pain

Kanpiwat “MJ” Himacharoen, Massage Therapist

Back pain is a common health problem that affects millions of Americans and is the largest cause of disability in the world. In 2010, according to The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics, low back pain was the leading cause of pain. Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on back pain. Around 3.5 million people are affected by moderate or severe degenerative intervertebral disc disease. More than six million patients in the United States alone are currently dealing with chronic back pain.

What causes your back pain?

1. Repetitive movements (sitting or standing long hours)
2. Spinal stenosis
3. Sciatica
4. Degenerative disc disease
5. Wrong body mechanics during activities
6. Some other possible causes

According to researchers at the Group Health Research Institute, the University of Washington in Seattle, the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, and the University of Vermont in Burlington, massage therapy helps reduce pain and improve functional movement when compared to regular medical care in people with low back pain.

Additionally, researchers at McMaster University in Canada found that massage reduces inflammation in muscles. It provides the same result as taking an aspirin or ibuprofen and boosts people’s ability to recover from exercise.

The people who received massage regularly used less anti-inflammatory medication than those who received usual medical care. If you purchase 10 sessions of massages and receive treatment for 10 weeks, you will feel less pain and get relief.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 847-618-3504.