One of the greatest benefits of massage therapy is that it helps release "feel good" hormones called endorphins, which can help alleviate the painful symptoms of chronic back pain.

The most effective type of massage therapy for lower back pain is called neuromuscular therapy. Neuromuscular therapy is also called trigger point myotherapy and sometimes acupressure. This form of massage therapy as an effective treatment for back pain caused by a soft tissue injury such as a muscle strain.

Massage therapy produce the best results when combined with other medical treatments such as physical therapy, chiropractic, or physician care.


 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI scan) is an imaging test that allows physicians to assess a patient's spinal anatomy and to investigate the anatomical cause of the patient's back pain.  The technology was developed in the 1980's to help physicians detect abnormal spinal structures and better diagnose the exact cause of back distress.

The MRI scan can give a doctor a very accurate assessment of the condition of a person's spinal anatomy. The MRI scan reveals information such as disc height and hydration, vertebral configuration, the presence of bulging or herniated discs, the size of the spinal canal, the presence of pinched nerves and any other abnormalities.
 

A muscle pull is a condition where the muscles of the back are injured due to a traumatic pulling of the fibers. This tearing of the fibers is known as a muscle strain.

A sudden or abrupt movement that causes the muscles to stretch the muscles past their point of elasticity usually causes these injuries. While some back strains are the result of a high velocity impact  (an example is a car accident that causes whiplash), other types of pulls are caused by repetitive strain. For example, a person who maintains improper posture at a computer on a regular basis, or a tennis player who uses improper form may have their muscles tighten to the extent that something as simple as reaching for a salt shaker can cause them to pull a muscle. To add to the pain of a pulled muscle, the surrounding muscles react to the tear by stiffening to protect the injured muscle from further harm

On average it takes about six weeks to recover from a muscle pull with some relief being felt after about three weeks.  Scar tissue will continue to form past six weeks in some cases and as long as a year in severe back strains.
 

A muscle spasm is a sudden, uncontrolled contraction, or spasm that seems to happen without cause yet cause a great deal of pain. The muscle contraction and pain usually last for just a few minutes, and then slowly ease as the muscle gradually relaxes. While painful, they are harmless, and in most cases, not related to any underlying disorder.  Still cramps and spasms can be manifestations of many neurological or muscular diseases.

The terms cramp and spasm can be somewhat general, and both terms are sometimes used to describe other types of abnormal muscle. These include stiffness at rest, slow muscle relaxation, and spontaneous contractions of a muscle at rest (fasciculation). Fasciculation is a type of painless muscle spasm, marked by rapid, uncoordinated contraction of many small muscle fibers.

Abnormal contraction of back muscles may be caused by an interruption in the central nervous system. For some reason, individuals temporarily lose heir ability to regulate muscle contraction and expansion.

Some researchers say that muscle spasms are caused by overly active motor neurons or overly sensitive muscle fibers that react without the usual stimulation that causes them to contract.
 

A muscle strain (tearing) occurs when a muscle or the tendon that attaches it to the bone is overextended. This also causes the muscle to tear or rip. Muscle strains are also sometimes called pulled muscles.

Muscle strains usually occur during activities that require the muscle to tighten suddenly or forcefully. This is caused by not warming up before a strenuous activity, a weakness in the muscle or by using a previously injured muscle that has not had the time to heal properly.  That is why many muscle strains occur during exercise, sports activities or lifting heavy objects.

Symptoms of muscle strain are pain, a burning sensation and a swollen or bruised appearance to the injured area. A strained muscle might spasm, which means it contracts suddenly and involuntarily, causing severe pain.

Muscle strains are treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Ice packs are recommended at regular intervals. Ice causes the blood vessels to constrict, which reduces inflammation and pain. Anti-inflammatory medications might also be used to relieve pain. You should avoid the type of activity that caused the injury until the muscle is completely healed.