When you experience back pain, it can be challenging to return to your normal routine. If you have a desk job or spend long hours sitting, this can make it even harder to manage your pain. Fortunately, massage therapy offers an accessible solution for people with back pain. In fact, there are many benefits of massage therapy for back pain that go beyond the temporary relaxation it provides. It can reduce stress and anxiety, improve circulation, decrease edema and inflammation as well as help relieve tension in the muscles. Here are seven reasons why massage therapy is beneficial for back pain.

Reduce stress and anxiety

One of the most common conditions that causes back pain is stress. Stress can build up in the body, triggering a whole range of physical and emotional symptoms. This can cause muscle tension and result in pain in the back, neck and shoulders as well as headaches, fatigue and insomnia. When we experience emotional stress, the body’s muscles tense up in an attempt to protect the areas it feels are vulnerable. While this is useful in the moment, if stress and anxiety are chronic conditions, this can create muscle tension that leads to back pain. Massage therapy reduces stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation. It also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for helping the body relax.

Increase circulation

Massage therapy also helps to increase circulation in the body, which can have several beneficial effects on your health. One of these is that it can help with edema, or the build-up of fluid in the body. When the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing fluid from the body, is slowed down by injury, a sedentary lifestyle, or certain medications, fluid can build up in various parts of the body, including the legs and feet. Because of gravity, this fluid can then be drawn up towards the torso and cause swelling in the hips and lower back. In massage therapy, the therapist will use various techniques to increase circulation, including applying pressure to specific areas to help move the fluid. 

Help with inflammation and edema

Massage therapy can also help with the inflammatory process. Some back pain is caused by inflammation in the muscles, which is often triggered by injuries or overexertion. When inflammation occurs, the muscles become swollen and inflamed, which can make them stiff and painful. It can also result in the reduction of blood flow to these muscles, which can affect their function and cause pain when they are used. When you receive a massage, the massage therapist will apply pressure to the affected areas to help reduce inflammation. The massage will stimulate the lymphatic system and help move the fluid away from the affected muscles. The therapist will also use various techniques such as compression, cross-fiber friction, and friction to promote blood flow to the muscles and reduce inflammation.

Help improve mobility and flexibility

Another benefit of massage therapy is that it can help to improve flexibility and mobility. Many people who experience back pain find that their mobility is reduced, and activities that used to be easy become challenging. When you experience pain, there is an urge to protect the area by avoiding activities that might make it worse. Unfortunately, this can mean putting restrictions on your life and not being able to do things you enjoy. While it is important to avoid activities that cause pain, it is also important to retain your mobility and make an effort to continue some of the things you enjoy. Massage therapy is a simple way to help improve mobility and flexibility. The massage therapist will use various techniques, such as stretching and soft tissue manipulation, to help the muscles in your back become looser and more flexible.

Introduce more oxygen to muscles

Another way that massage therapy benefits back pain is by introducing more oxygen to the muscles. As we grow older, our circulation naturally slows down and the body experiences a decrease in blood flow. This can affect all areas of the body, including the muscles. When the muscles don’t receive enough oxygen, they become stiff and painful. When you receive a massage, the therapist applies pressure to the muscles, helping to increase blood flow to them and improve their function. This helps to ease the pain and discomfort commonly experienced with muscle stiffness.

Relax tense muscles

Massage therapy can also help to relax tense muscles, especially those in the back. When we overwork our muscles, they become tight and stressed. This can be one of the primary contributors to back pain. When you receive a massage, the massage therapist applies pressure to the muscles to help them relax and return to their normal length and texture. When the muscles are relaxed, they are less likely to cause pain. In fact, massage therapy is one of the best ways to relax and de-stress the muscles after a challenging day at work.

Relieves pain

Finally, massage therapy can help relieve pain, which is the primary symptom of back problems. While some back pain is normal and to be expected as we age, other types, such as degenerative disc disease, can cause debilitating pain and discomfort. The good news is that many of the benefits of massage therapy are useful for managing pain. When you receive a massage, you will be asked to lie on a table with the lights turned off and wear a face mask. When you are in this relaxed state, your body releases a chemical called endorphin, which is responsible for the “happy” feeling you experience after exercise. These chemicals are effective at relieving pain and promoting relaxation.

Conclusion

When you experience back pain, it can be challenging to return to your normal routine. Fortunately, massage therapy offers an accessible solution for people with back pain. In fact, there are many benefits of massage therapy for back pain that go beyond the temporary relaxation it provides. It can reduce stress and anxiety, help with inflammation and edema, help improve mobility and flexibility, and also relieve pain.