Back Pain Relief: Which Treatment is Best for You?
Suffering from back pain? You’re far from alone.
One-third of Canadians say their back pain limits their daily life, according to the Canadian Chiropractic Association.
When it comes to treating it, you have a few options: a chiropractor, physiotherapist, massage therapist, and doctor.
Learn which back pain relief method is best below.
Types of Back Pain
Back pain may last for a few days, weeks, or months. Aches are considered “chronic” when they last longer than 3 months and are severe.
To get back pain relief, it’s helpful if you can accurately describe what you’re experiencing. This can help your practitioner diagnose and find treatments for your specific aches.
You may have lower, middle, or upper back pain. Back pain can be on the right side, left side, both, or an ache that radiates to different areas.
Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is one of the most common types of aches. The lower back is responsible for your day-to-day mobility, including movements like twisting, bending, and walking mechanisms.
Low back pain can take on a range of sensations, including:
- Dull ache
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Spasms
- Burning that radiates into legs
- Tightness or stiffness
Lower Back Pain Left Side or Right Side
Upper Middle Back Pain
What to Consider Before Making an Appointment
- Type of Pain: While aches can be treated by a massage therapist, physiotherapist, or chiropractor for back pain, each has its specialties. Consider the type of pain and possible cause of pain to know which practitioner is best.
- Level of Pain. Some back pain relief methods are better suited for milder pain levels. For example, a massage can work wonders for acute pain but will probably need to be combined with other treatments if your pain is severe and chronic.
- Level of Participation. Some people want to be involved in their treatment (i.e. physiotherapy). Others would rather treatments “applied to” them (i.e. chiropractic care and massage therapy).
- Your Preferences. Consider the main technique used in each treatment. What do you prefer? Some enjoy the guidance and back pain stretches provided by a physiotherapist. Others are more curious about manual adjustments by a chiropractor.
- Back Pain Medication. In some cases, aches may be so severe that it requires back pain medicine. Since chiropractors, physiotherapists, and massage therapists do not have the authority to write prescriptions, you’ll need to talk to your doctor for medication.
- Combining Treatments. If you can, it might be a good idea to combine treatments of a chiropractor, physiotherapist, and massage therapist. Since each is beneficial, they can work together to provide back pain relief. If you make various appointments, make sure to let all your practitioners know so that treatments don’t interfere.
When to Visit a Chiropractor for Pain Relief
A Chiropractor Might Be Best For You If…
- You’re curious to try chiropractic adjustments
- You’re okay with some discomfort during chiro care (although it’s usually painless)
- You’d prefer a therapy applied to you rather than participating (often required in physiotherapy)
- You'd prefer a therapy aligned with holistic philosophy (many practitioners give tips about diet, exercise, etc.)
- You’re not willing to do stretches or exercises at home (often suggested in physiotherapy)
When to Visit a Physiotherapist for Pain Relief
Physiotherapy Treatment Might Be Best For You If…
- You have a musculoskeletal condition or injury
- You’re recovering from a disease or surgery
- You think strengthening back muscles might improve your pain
- You want to learn back pain exercises
- You’re willing to do back pain stretches at home
- You prefer a therapy more aligned to Western medicine
- You’d prefer a less hands-on treatment/less touch (compared to chiropractic care and massage therapy)
When to Visit a Massage Therapist for Pain Relief
Massage is another option for back pain relief that’s non-invasive.
Massage works by applying gentle to firm pressure on sore muscle areas. The goal is to massage out knots, AKA myofascial trigger points. As these tissues are softened, you’ll feel back pain relief.
It’s important to make the distinction between relaxation massages and massage therapy. Unlicensed individuals can offer relaxation massages, but they’re not considered therapeutic. Since registered massage therapists are educated, they’re better able to pinpoint pains and provide treatment.
Not all provinces regulate massage therapy. In those that do, practitioners have completed a diploma in massage therapy. To be sure, ask your practitioner about their qualifications.
A Massage Therapist Might Be Best For You If…
- You have minor or moderate pain (worse pain should be combined with other treatments)
- You also want a relaxation component
- You also want relief of mental health symptoms (massage may boost serotonin and dopamine, improving your mood)
- You want stress relief (massage may also decrease cortisol)
- You want a “feel good” treatment but are okay with slight discomfort when the massage therapist targets knots
- You want to relax your body to prepare it for chiropractic adjustments
- You’d prefer a therapy applied to you rather than participating (often required in physiotherapy)
When to Visit Doctor or Walk-In
If your back pain is severe and persistent, contact your doctor or visit a walk-in clinic.
Especially in cases of chronic back pain, it’s important to see a physician, who can help diagnose the cause. Some patients may also choose to use prescription back pain medication.
In some cases, aches can point to a bigger problem. For example, lower back pain can also be a sign of cancer.
Many times, a cause of back pain can’t be found— but that doesn’t mean the experience isn’t real. That’s why many people seek out treatments provided by a chiropractor, physiotherapist, or massage therapist.
To find a walk-in clinic near you, enter your location on Medimap.
About the author
Shereen Mohammed
Shereen is a passionate marketing professional with over 7 years of experience in executing traditional and digital marketing strategies across diverse industries. With a background in both agency and client-side roles, Shereen has successfully implemented effective marketing campaigns that have yielded a positive return on investment. As an energetic individual, Shereen possesses strong organizational and communication skills, ensuring seamless team coordination and collaboration. She thrives in process-driven environments, paying meticulous attention to detail while remaining focused on achieving results. With a proven ability to manage multiple projects in competitive and fast-paced settings, she is dedicated to driving success through strategic marketing initiatives.