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How Therapeutic Massage & Chiropractic Work Together

Written By Duluth Chiropractic and Wellness Center on January 5, 2018

Almost everyone experiences back pain at some point in their lives – approximately 8 in 10 people, in fact. One of the common go-tos for backpain sufferers is pain medication. Medication, however, has side effects, and it doesn’t remove the source of the problem.

While back pain often goes away on its own, that can take a while. There is no need for suffering when quality chiropractic care can resolve back pain. Adding massage therapy to the chiropractic treatments can provide even more relief, and potentially heal the underlying issue causing the back pain.

Massage Therapy and Chiropractic Care Both Support the Musculoskeletal System

Chiropractic care involves manipulating the spine to remove “subluxations” (slight dislocations of the spine) that can cause pain and other problems. A chiropractor does more than just move bones around, however. Chiropractors work holistically to improve the health of the entire body, and might recommend massage therapy as an adjunct therapy to chiropractic care.

Basic chiropractic manipulations work on the spine. Massage works on muscle. But the skeleton and muscles are not two separate body systems in reality. The musculoskeletal system comprises both the muscles and the skeleton. They work together to not just move the body but provide it form and structure.

This is where a chiropractor and massage therapist can be a great team. The chiropractor works on spinal alignment, while the massage therapist supports muscular health.

How Massage Can Help with Pain

Massage therapy can be particularly helpful for problems such as low back pain. Acute low back pain is often the result of a muscle strain. This can happen due to lifting a heavy object improperly, falling, or even moving suddenly in the wrong direction. The back muscles can then become torn or spasm, and they can also become inflamed. 

An experienced massage therapist can help reduce muscular inflammation and soothe sore muscles. Massage comes in different flavors, and depending on your issue, you may need to start with something more gentle and relaxing. Or, if you have a deep muscle spasm, you might be helped the most with a deep tissue massage.

Meanwhile, the chiropractor can help with spinal alignment to reduce the risk of reinjuring the area. Getting an assessment first with a chiropractor can help in determining the best course of treatment, including the potential massage strategy that might work best for you.

Get Help for Your Back Issues in Duluth, GA

If you have back pain, contact Duluth Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Duluth, GA. We can make a full assessment and provide recommendations for chiropractic solutions as well as massage therapy.


Posted In: Chiropractic Massage Therapy