September 27, 2025

Massage or Chiropractor for Back Pain

We are often asked what is the best treatment option between a massage or chiropractor for back pain. It all depends on the nature of your back pain and whether it is skeletal or muscular. Here is a bit more detailed perspective to help you choose the best option. The body is delicate and when things go wrong; it hurts. If your back hurts, it is time to seek treatment for your pain. Two options include massage or chiropractor. They both help heal your body’s nervous system in different ways. Both treatment plans have a common goal: restoration of health and well-being, relief of pain.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy targets muscle problems. Muscle spasms and areas of tension and bumps may benefit from massage therapy, as well as strained or pulled muscles. Massage therapy is not just a pampering treatment. It has legitimate medicinal properties that are effective in managing back pain and speeding up the healing process. Massage also affects the nervous system by manipulating soft tissue. The upper layers of the muscles benefit directly from the massage applied, as it promotes the free flow of energy and fluids.

There are many techniques employed in massage therapy, including Swedish, deep tissue, sports, and trigger points. Everyone contributes to the management of pain and everyone is involved in the recovery process. Massage therapy offers the following benefits:

Strengthens immunity
Improves the condition of the skin
Increase blood circulation
Reduce anxiety
Improve sleep
Aids athletes

Chiropractor

Chiropractic specifically deals with nervous and musculoskeletal system disorders. Unlike massage therapy, chiropractic focuses on hard tissue – the joints and spine. Chiropractors are typically trained to recommend rehabilitation exercises and may even use massage as treatment progresses. Manipulation or adjustment of the spine is the most common technique employed to treat problems such as back pain.

Massage and Chiropractor Work Together

Maybe the choice isn’t the need for a massage or chiropractor, but a balance between the two for back pain relief. Massage therapy can support chiropractic care and act as a “warm-up” for the body before adjustment. Adjustments take longer when muscle tension decreases. Tight muscles misalign the joints and massage therapy would solve this problem head-on. Chiropractic, in turn, treats deformities that relieve soft tissue. Soft tissues heal faster once the joints return to their position.