The effectiveness of therapeutic massage in lumbar and cervical spine pain syndrome – case study

Background: The spine pain syndrome is a common problem in a substantial part of the population which currently affects younger and younger people. The underlying risk factors include the character of work, sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity. Except for complex physiotherapy which should be applied during treatment, a lifestyle prophylaxis also seems to be a key factor.Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to present the possibility to use the classical and therapeutic massage of the back, and a lymphatic drainage of lower limbs in case of the lumbar and cervical spine pain syndrome accompaniedby the lower limb swelling.Material and methods: A young woman with the lumbar and cervical spine pain syndrome received a 55-minute lymphatic drainage (four sessions), a 30-minute classical massage (four sessions) and a 45-minute therapeutic massage (two sessions). All the procedures were performed every two days.Results: After the application of all kinds of the massage, selected individually to current symptoms and needs of the patient, the pain in the area of the spine was relieved. After the therapy the pressure pain in the back muscles such as: latissimus dorsi (lats), trapezius (traps) and spinal erectors was also decreased. The swelling in the area of the lower limb was reduced and the patient reported general decrease of pain.Conclusions: A massage may constitute an effective anti-pain therapy in case of the lumbar and cervical spine pain syndrome. Combined with educating patients about proper motor habits might prevent similar pain symptoms in the future.