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Massage vs. Medication for Lower Back Pain: What a 2011 Study Revealed

  • Writer: Lauren Walker
    Lauren Walker
  • Aug 26
  • 4 min read

Lower back pain is one of the most common—and frustrating—health problems in the world. Whether it’s caused by long hours at a desk, heavy lifting, stress, or simply aging, this type of pain affects millions and often leads to costly treatments, doctor visits, and missed workdays.


But what if the answer isn’t found in pills or high-tech therapies?

A groundbreaking 2011 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine shook up traditional approaches to back pain when it found that massage therapy was more effective than medication or physical therapy for relieving lower back pain over a 10-week period.

Let’s unpack what the study found—and why it matters so much.


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The Study at a Glance

Researchers from the Group Health Research Institute in Seattle conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 401 adults with chronic lower back pain.


Participants were divided into three groups:

  1. Structural Massage Therapy – Focused on musculoskeletal alignment.

  2. Relaxation Massage Therapy – A gentler form of massage aimed at general stress relief.

  3. Usual Care – Standard treatments like medications, physical therapy, and self-care advice.

Each massage group received 10 weekly 1-hour sessions over the course of the study.


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The Results: Massage Came Out on Top

After 10 weeks, both massage groups experienced significantly greater improvements in pain and function compared to the usual care group.


Key Takeaways:

  • About two-thirds of people in the massage groups reported substantial improvement in symptoms.

  • Relaxation massage was just as effective as the more targeted structural massage.

  • Benefits continued even after the massage sessions ended, with improved function and reduced pain lasting at least several months.

👉 Bottom line: Massage therapy wasn’t just as effective—it was more effective than conventional treatments for lower back pain.


Why Massage Works for Lower Back Pain

While massage might seem simple, its effects on the body are profound. Here's how it helps:


1. Improves Blood Circulation

Better circulation brings oxygen and nutrients to muscles and tissues, promoting healing and reducing stiffness.


2. Relaxes Tight Muscles

Many cases of back pain are linked to muscle tension and spasms. Massage helps release this tension and restore mobility.


3. Reduces Inflammation

Massage may reduce inflammatory markers and ease nerve compression caused by swollen or tight tissue.


4. Calms the Nervous System

Pain isn't just physical—it's also neurological. Massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm pain signals and lower stress.


Implications for Pain Management

This study is important because it challenges the idea that medication or physical therapy should always be the first line of treatment for back pain. In fact, massage therapy may offer equal—or better—relief, without the side effects of drugs or the intensity of more invasive treatments.


It also raises a key question: Why isn’t massage more commonly prescribed?

As awareness grows and more research supports its benefits, massage is beginning to earn its place as a credible, evidence-based option in integrative pain management plans.


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Should You Try Massage for Lower Back Pain?

If you’re dealing with chronic lower back pain, massage could be a safe and effective addition to your treatment plan. Here are a few tips to get started:

  • Choose a licensed massage therapist experienced in treating musculoskeletal pain.

  • Consistency matters—consider committing to several sessions, as benefits tend to build over time.

  • Talk to your doctor, especially if you have underlying conditions or are already receiving other treatments.


Final Thoughts

The 2011 Annals of Internal Medicine study gave us a powerful reminder: sometimes, the most effective solutions aren’t the most high-tech. Massage therapy, a hands-on, low-risk intervention, outperformed standard care in relieving one of the most common and disabling types of pain.


In an age where opioid prescriptions and chronic pain are widespread, this kind of research offers hope—and a more holistic path forward.


Source: Cherkin, D.C., Sherman, K.J., Kahn, J., et al. (2011). A comparison of the effects of 2 types of massage and usual care on chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 155(1), 1–9.


Relish Well-ness to the Core with our Relaxing Massage Sessions: Wellness Rituals offers effective alternative healing therapies such as Thai Yoga Massage or our Table Top Stretch Sessions. This unique healing therapy incorporates Yoga, pressure points, and reflexology, aiming to reduce body fatigue.


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