Deep Tissue Massage and Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs For Lower Back Pain: A Prospective Randomized Trial. Majchrzycki M, Kr P, Kotwicki T. he Scientific World Journal 2014;doi:10.1155/2014/287597
Fifty nine patients aged 51.8-60 years old with chronic back pain were divided into a treatment group (TG) who received two weeks of deep tissue massage (DTM) and a control group (CG) who received two weeks of DTM combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID). Outcome measures were visual analogue scale, Owestry disability index (ODI) and Rowland Morris questionnaire (RM). In both the TG and the CG a significant pain reduction and function improvement were observed. All pre versus post treatment differences were significant but there was no significant difference between the TG and the CG.
Therefore DTM works for lower back pain, reducing pain and increasing function but NSAIDS bring no added benefit so save your money (and your stomach lining).
Thanks to SPORTEX.