Massage and modality effects on treatment of sub-acute and chronic non specific low back pain

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is the second most common medical complaint. It’s estimated that about 70-85% of the population will suffer at least one episode of LBP during their life. The aim of present study was to compare the effects of massage and modality in patient with sub-acute and chronic non-specific LBP

Methods: In this clinical trial study 30 women (MeanAge: 33.96±10.93) with sub-acute and chronic non-specific LBP (Mean pain-duration:9.68±3.38 )were included in the study and randomized into two equal groups; massage and modality. Patients in both group underwent 10 sessions treatment period. Pain (numerical-pain-scale,NRS), functional disability index (oswestry-disability-index,ODI) and lumbar-flexion(modified-schober-test)were recorded before and immediately after treatment period. Data was analyzed using paired t-test and independent sample t-test.

Results: Significant improvement showed in both groups separately in pain-intensity, disability level, and flexion after treatment (P<0.001). Statically significant improvement was seen in massage group in comparison to modality group for NRS & ODI after treatment (PNRS=0.015, PODI=0.013). There was a not significant change in point of lumber flexion between two groups

Conclusion: The results showed that both massage and modality had beneficial effects on the improvement of pain, functional disability and lumbar flexion in patients with non-specific LBP. It seems that massage is better than modality for non-specific LBP in a short period of time.