A hands-on approach to back pain can be a positive experience. Massage therapy can help reverse the vicious cycle of pain-spasm-pain associated with chronic back pain.

Massage and chiropractic therapy can provide many benefits to individuals suffering from mild or chronic back pain. These benefits include:

• Circulation and blood pressure improvement.
• Muscle tone improvement and the prevention of muscular atrophy due to illness or inactivity.
• System detoxification through lymphatic drainage.
• Joint flexibility improvement.
• Stress reduction and a greater sense of well-being.

They include:

Swedish Massage: This method uses long, flowing strokes and kneading movements to relieve tension from the muscles. The practitioner helps improve circulation and back pain by working to loosen and relax the superficial layers of muscle.

Sports Massage: This method uses slow, hard strokes and deep, sustained finger pressure to work deeply into the contracted muscles, fascia and tendons. This technique keeps the body flexible, increases performance and assists in rehabilitation from injury and speeds up the healing process by reducing swelling.

Shiatsu: Shiatsu is Japanese for finger pressure. Fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows and knees are all used to apply pressure to points along acupuncture meridians, which are believed to be the body's energy pathways. This method is used to help alleviate back pain and encourage blood and lymphatic flow.

Craniosacral Therapy: This therapy involves the craniosacral system, which extends from the skull to the bottom of the spine. The practitioner uses touch to restore cerebrospinal fluid movement. This method can be used to treat such conditions as headaches, ear and eye problems as well as back pain and even whiplash.

Not all techniques work in all situations. Be sure to know the philosophy and style of your massage therapist before you begin. If your massage or massage technique doesn't help alleviate your pain, try another practitioner.