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Chronic back pain affects many people, often interfering with daily activities and quality of life.

Chronic Back Pain

Back pain, accounting for around 40% of work absences, is a significant issue as the back bears most of the body's weight and physical stress. Strain on back muscles and ligaments can lead to pain, tension, and limited mobility. Symptoms may last up to six weeks (acute) or persist for three months or longer (chronic). In severe cases, back pain can be debilitating, disrupting daily social roles and activities, and potentially causing further injury.

While bed rest and heat or ice application can alleviate symptoms, massage therapy offers a more effective solution by relaxing tired and sore muscles. Recovery from lower back pain can take weeks to months. Although conventional treatments like anti-inflammatory medications, physiotherapy, and physical activity are common, massage therapy provides significant relief and relaxation.

Best Massage Techniques for Chronic Back Pain

Swedish Massage

This technique is known for its relaxation benefits and relief from muscle cramps. It involves long, sweeping strokes (effleurage), rolling and kneading motions (petrissage), rhythmic tapping (tapotement), and deep pressure (friction). Swedish massage helps relieve stress and tension, promoting relaxation.

Deep Tissue Massage

Not intended for relaxation, deep tissue massage involves applying hard pressure to sore muscles, reaching down to the bone to release scar tissue and relax tight muscles. It starts with light strokes and gradually increases pressure. Muscle soreness may follow the session, which can be alleviated with a warm bath.

Trigger Point Massage

This technique focuses on pinpointing and releasing tight points within strained muscles, known as trigger points. It aims to relieve muscle pain and tension, with the therapist using deep pressure strokes to release these points.

Myofascial Massage

Targeting the fascial trigger points, this massage technique helps relieve muscle pain throughout the body, including the back. It involves gentle strokes to identify tension spots in the fascia, followed by increased pressure to release the trigger points. Myofascial massage is also effective for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.