Massage clears up chronic back pain in a third of sufferers

According to October's issue of What Doctors Don't Tell You, regular massage can reduce or clear up back pain in only 10 weeks.

"Researchers reckon that structural or relaxation massage is as effective as other non-drug therapies, such as acupuncture, exercise and yoga.

In a study of 400 people with chronic lower back pain they had endured for at least three months, researchers from the Group Health Cooperative found that both types of massage were extremely effective compared with a 'do nothing' approach.  Participants had a weekly massage for 10 weeks, by the end of which one third said the pain had gone completely or had improved.  As a result, they were able to function better, they led more active lives, and they were able to get to work every day. (Annals of Internal Medicine, 2011;155:1-9)"