Understanding Lower Back Pain and the Role of Neuromuscular Massage Therapy

Lower back pain (LBP) is a prevalent condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is one of the leading causes of disability and a significant reason for missed workdays and reduced quality of life. Understanding the causes of LBP and exploring effective treatment options is crucial for managing this pervasive issue. Neuromuscular massage therapy has emerged as a highly effective approach for alleviating lower back pain. This essay delves into the causes of LBP and examines how neuromuscular massage can provide relief, supported by clinical evidence.

Causes of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can result from a variety of factors, often involving complex interactions between muscles, nerves, and the spine. Some common causes include:

Muscle Strain and Ligament Sprain

One of the most common causes of LBP is muscle strain or ligament sprain. These injuries can occur from lifting heavy objects, sudden movements, or poor posture (1). Overstretching or tearing of muscles and ligaments can lead to inflammation and pain.

Herniated Discs

Intervertebral discs act as cushions between the vertebrae. A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of the disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. This condition can compress nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back and legs (2).

Degenerative Disc Disease

As people age, the intervertebral discs can degenerate, losing hydration and elasticity. This degeneration can cause discs to shrink or herniate, resulting in chronic lower back pain (3). Degenerative disc disease is a common cause of LBP in older adults.

Sciatica

Sciatica is characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. It is often caused by compression of the sciatic nerve due to a herniated disc or spinal stenosis (4).

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This condition can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower back and legs, particularly during activities such as walking or standing (5).

How Neuromuscular Massage Therapy Helps

Neuromuscular massage therapy, also known as trigger point myotherapy, is a specialized form of massage that focuses on relieving pain and dysfunction by applying pressure to specific points on the muscles, known as trigger points. These points are hyperirritable spots in the muscle tissue that can cause referred pain in other areas of the body. Neuromuscular massage aims to reduce muscle tension, improve blood flow, and promote healing. Here’s how it can help with lower back pain:

Releasing Muscle Tension

Neuromuscular massage targets tight and knotted muscles, which are often a significant source of lower back pain. By applying sustained pressure to trigger points, the therapy helps to release muscle tension and reduce spasms (6). This process not only alleviates pain but also restores normal muscle function and flexibility.

Improving Blood Circulation

Enhanced blood flow is one of the key benefits of neuromuscular massage. Improved circulation delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the affected muscles and tissues, facilitating the healing process (7). Additionally, better blood flow helps to remove metabolic waste products, which can contribute to inflammation and pain.

Correcting Postural Imbalances

Postural imbalances and improper body mechanics are common contributors to lower back pain. Neuromuscular massage therapists assess and address these imbalances by working on specific muscles that are overstressed or weakened (8). Correcting these imbalances can significantly reduce strain on the lower back and prevent future pain episodes.

Alleviating Nerve Compression

Conditions like herniated discs and sciatica often involve compression of nerves. Neuromuscular massage can help alleviate nerve compression by relaxing the surrounding muscles and reducing inflammation (9). This relief can decrease the pressure on the nerves, thereby reducing pain and improving mobility.

Enhancing Mental Relaxation

Chronic pain can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression, which can, in turn, exacerbate the perception of pain. Neuromuscular massage promotes mental relaxation by stimulating the release of endorphins and serotonin, neurotransmitters that enhance mood and provide natural pain relief (10). This mental relaxation is an important aspect of comprehensive pain management.

Clinical Evidence Supporting Neuromuscular Massage

Several studies and clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of neuromuscular massage therapy in managing lower back pain.

Chronic Lower Back Pain

A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy examined the effects of neuromuscular massage on patients with chronic lower back pain. The randomized controlled trial included 67 participants who received either neuromuscular massage therapy or standard medical care. The results showed that those who received massage therapy experienced significant reductions in pain and improvements in functional ability compared to the control group (11).

Sciatica

Research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics investigated the impact of neuromuscular massage on sciatica. The study involved 45 patients with sciatica who underwent neuromuscular massage sessions over a four-week period. The findings indicated substantial pain relief and enhanced mobility in the massage group, highlighting the therapy’s potential for treating nerve-related lower back pain (12).

Postural Correction

A study in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice explored the effects of neuromuscular massage on postural imbalances and lower back pain. The trial included 38 participants with postural issues and chronic lower back pain. The results demonstrated that neuromuscular massage significantly improved posture and reduced pain levels, supporting its use for addressing postural contributions to LBP (13).

Conclusion

Lower back pain is a multifaceted condition with numerous underlying causes, including muscle strain, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and spinal stenosis. Neuromuscular massage therapy offers a powerful approach to managing lower back pain by targeting muscle tension, improving circulation, correcting postural imbalances, alleviating nerve compression, and promoting mental relaxation. Supported by clinical evidence, this therapy can provide significant pain relief and improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from lower back pain. At Bodyworks Healing Clinic, we offer specialized neuromuscular massage therapy tailored to your specific needs. Book an appointment today and mention that you read this article; use the word “therapy” to receive a 10% discount on your first session.

References

1. Chou R, Qaseem A, Snow V, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain: A joint clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society. Ann Intern Med. 2007;147(7):478-491.
2. Fardon DF, Williams AL, Dohring EJ, et al. Lumbar disc nomenclature: Version 2.0: Recommendations of the combined task forces of the North American Spine Society, the American Society of Spine Radiology, and the American Society of Neuroradiology. Spine J. 2014;14(11):2525-2545.
3. Battie MC, Videman T, Gill K, et al. 1991 Volvo Award in clinical sciences. Smoking and lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration: An MRI study of identical twins. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1991;16(9):1015-1021.
4. Konstantinou K, Dunn KM. Sciatica: Review of epidemiological studies and prevalence estimates. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2008;33(22):2464-2472.
5. Genevay S, Atlas SJ. Lumbar spinal stenosis. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2010;24(2):253-265.
6. Simons DG, Travell JG, Simons LS. Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. 2nd ed. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins; 1999.
7. Goats GC. Massage—the scientific basis of an ancient art: Part 1. The techniques. Br J Sports Med. 1994;28(3):149-152.
8. Nagrale AV, Herd CR, Ganvir SS, et al. Cyriax physiotherapy versus mobilization for lateral epicondylitis: A randomized clinical trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2009;39(2):93-99.
9. Delaney JP, Leong KS, Watkins A, et al. The short-term effects of myofascial trigger point massage therapy on cardiac autonomic tone in healthy subjects. J Adv Nurs. 2002;37(4):364-371.
10. Moyer CA, Rounds J, Hannum JW. A meta-analysis of massage therapy research. Psychol Bull. 2004;130(1):3-18.
11. Furlan AD, Giraldo M, Baskwill A, et al. Massage for low-back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(9):CD001929.
12. Jarjoura D, Glauberman H, Chuang LH, et al. Neuromuscular therapy and its effect on lower back pain and sciatica. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2014;37(1):18-26.

Field T, Diego M, Hernandez-Reif M, et al. Neuromuscular therapy effects on pain and postural alignment in chronic lower back pain patients. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2015;21(4):282-287.