Deep Tissue Massage and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Low Back Pain: A Prospective Randomized Trial

Abstract

Objective. To investigate whether chronic low back pain therapy with deep tissue massage (DTM) gives similar results to combined therapy consisting of DTM and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). Design. Prospective controlled randomized single blinded trial. Settings. Ambulatory care of rehabilitation. Participants. 59 patients, age 51.8 ± 9.0 years, with chronic low back pain. Interventions. 2 weeks of DTM in the treatment group (TG) versus 2 weeks of DTM combined with NSAID in the control group (CG). Main Outcome Measures. Visual analogue scale, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and Roland-Morris questionnaire (RM). Results. In both the TG and the CG, a significant pain reduction and function improvement were observed. VAS decreased from 58.3 ± 18.2 to 42.2 ± 21.1 (TG) and from 51.8 ± 18.8 to 30.6 ± 21.9 (CG). RM value decreased from 9.8 ± 5.1 to 6.4 ± 4.4 (TG), and from 9.3 ± 5.5 to 6.1 ± 4.6 (CG). ODI value decreased from 29.2 ± 17.3 to 21.4 ± 15.1 (TG) and from 21.4 ± 9.4 to 16.6 ± 9.4 (CG). All pre-post-treatment differences were significant; however, there was no significant difference between the TG and the CG. Conclusion. DTM had a positive effect on reducing pain in patients with chronic low back pain. Concurrent use of DTM and NSAID contributed to low back pain reduction in a similar degree that the DTM did.

Enhanced analgesic effects of nefopam in combination with acetaminophen in rodents

“…They may inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid to generate prostaglandins (PGs) (8)(9)(10). PGs are established to serve a role in pain and inflammatory processes (11).…”

The Effect of Deep Tissue Massage on Tension Reduction in the Structural Components of the Superficial Back Line

“…The ma jority of studies concerning the effectiveness of DTM in pain relief concern back pain treatment [10,11,12]. Majchrzycki et al [10] studied pain rating after DTM alone and after DTM combined with nonste roidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) administration. In both cases similar results were obtained (improvement of patients' condition), which is indicative of the benefits of DTM as an alternative approach for pharmacological treament.…”

“…Najwięcej badań dotyczących skuteczności masażu głębokiego, jako środka zmniejszającego dolegliwości bólowe, dotyczy terapii bólów kręgosłupa [10,11,12]. Majchrzycki i współautorzy [10] badali ocenę bólu po terapii masażem głębokim oraz w połączeniu tego masażu z leczeniem niesteroidowymi lekami przeciwzapalnymi. W obu przypadkach uzyskano podobne wyniki (poprawę stanu pacjentów), co może przemawiać na korzyść masażu tkanek głębokich jako alternatywy dla farmakoterapii.…”

Dalk (Massage): A Quintessential Component for Musculoskeletal Disorders in Unani System of Medicine

“…31 Majchrzycki et al In a Prospective Randomized clinical Trial found that Deep tissue massage in chronic Low Back Ache patients had been effective due to pain alleviation. 32 Gufran et al reported efficacy of Dalk Layyen (soft massage) with Roghane Gule Aakh in alleviating pain, difficulty and tenderness associated with Cervical Spondylosis. 33 Kong et al reported that massage therapy is an effective intervention that produces immediate relief in neck and shoulder pain.…”