Should You Massage a Herniated Disc?

Is Massage Safe for Herniated Discs?

A herniated disc is a condition that can cause significant pain and discomfort, often radiating to other areas like the legs or arms. As people seek relief from the debilitating symptoms of a herniated disc, many wonder if massage therapy can provide any help. While massage is known for its soothing and therapeutic effects, the question remains: Is it safe to massage a herniated disc? In this article, you will learn about the potential benefits and risks of massaging a herniated disc along with guidance on whether it is an effective treatment option.

Understanding Herniated Discs

Before addressing the specifics of massage therapy, it is important to understand what a herniated disc is and how it can affect the body. A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft, gel-like center (nucleus pulposus) of a spinal disc pushes through a tear or rupture in the tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus). This can put pressure on surrounding nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area, often in the back, neck, or legs.

Symptoms of a herniated disc may include:

• Sharp or shooting pain, especially when moving or bending
• Numbness or tingling in the limbs
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty moving the affected body part

Given the pain and discomfort caused by a herniated disc, many people seek different forms of therapy, including massage.

How Massage Works for Pain Relief

Massage therapy is often recommended for managing muscular pain, tension, and stiffness. It involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments, to reduce pain, increase circulation, and promote relaxation. Various types of massage, including Swedish, deep tissue, and trigger point therapy, target different aspects of pain relief.

Massage can benefit those with muscle tension or spasms by:

• Increasing blood flow to the affected area
• Reducing muscle tightness
• Promoting relaxation of the nervous system
• Increasing flexibility and range of motion

The Benefits of Massage for a Herniated Disc

While a herniated disc directly affects the spinal discs, the surrounding muscles and tissues can also become tense, inflamed, or strained due to the injury. In this context, massage can offer several potential benefits for managing the discomfort associated with a herniated disc.

• Relieving muscle tension and spasms – One of the most common symptoms of a herniated disc is muscle spasms or tightness in the back, neck, or legs. As the body tries to compensate for the pain caused by the herniated disc, muscles can tighten up, exacerbating the discomfort. Massage therapy can release this muscle tension and alleviate the associated pain, making it easier to move and function.
• Increasing circulation – Massage increases blood flow to the affected area, which can promote healing by delivering oxygen and nutrients to the tissues while removing waste products. Enhanced circulation may reduce inflammation and swelling, further contributing to pain relief.
• Reducing stress and anxiety – Chronic pain, like that caused by a herniated disc, can take a toll on both the body and mind. The stress and anxiety related to ongoing pain can worsen muscle tension, creating a vicious cycle. Massage therapy, particularly relaxation techniques such as Swedish massage, can calm the nervous system, reduce stress levels, and improve overall wellbeing.
• Increasing range of motion – A herniated disc can make it difficult to move freely due to pain and stiffness in the surrounding muscles and joints. By loosening up tight muscles and increasing flexibility, massage can restore some range of motion and promote easier movement.

Potential Risks of Massaging a Herniated Disc

While massage can offer numerous benefits for managing the symptoms of a herniated disc, it is important to be aware of potential risks. Depending on the severity of the herniation and the type of massage performed, certain risks may arise.

• Worsening nerve compression – If a herniated disc is causing significant nerve compression, deep tissue massage or aggressive manipulation of the affected area may exacerbate the condition. Pressing too hard or applying intense pressure could increase irritation on the nerves and worsen pain, tingling, or numbness. It is essential to avoid any form of massage that puts direct pressure on the spine or the herniated disc itself.
• Inflammation and swelling – In some cases, deep tissue massage can cause temporary inflammation or swelling, especially if the muscles and tissues surrounding the herniated disc are already inflamed. This could intensify the discomfort rather than provide relief.
• Pain sensitivity – For individuals with herniated discs, certain massage techniques may be too intense or cause increased sensitivity. Applying too much pressure or performing certain movements may result in heightened pain, bruising, or soreness, making the condition worse.

When Massage Is Not Recommended for a Herniated Disc

While massage therapy can be a helpful adjunct to managing the symptoms of a herniated disc, there are situations when it may not be advisable. These include:

• Severe pain – If the pain from the herniated disc is too intense or sharp, massage may not be the appropriate treatment until the pain subsides.
• Recent injury or acute phase – In the initial phase of a herniated disc (within the first few days or weeks), it is essential to avoid aggressive massage. The focus should be on reducing inflammation and stabilizing the condition.
• Presence of other complications – If there are additional complications, such as a nerve impingement, infection, or fractures, massage may worsen the situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider before pursuing any massage therapy.

Types of Massage that Are Safe for a Herniated Disc

If massage therapy is deemed appropriate for your condition, certain techniques are more beneficial and safer than others. Here are a few types of massage that may relieve the symptoms of a herniated disc:

• Swedish massage – Swedish massage uses long, flowing strokes to promote relaxation and increase circulation. It is gentle and soothing, making it a good choice for individuals with herniated discs, especially in the initial stages.
• Gentle deep tissue massage – For individuals who have experienced their herniated discs for a longer period, gentle deep tissue massage may release muscle tension without directly affecting the spine. A certified massage therapist should use a light touch and avoid any pressure on the affected area.
• Trigger point therapy – Trigger point therapy targets specific knots or tight spots in muscles that can contribute to pain. Gentle pressure on these points can provide relief for muscle spasms associated with a herniated disc.
• Myofascial release – This noninvasive manual therapy focuses on easing tension in the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles. By applying sustained pressure on specific trigger points, myofascial release can reduce tension and discomfort, allowing for natural spinal alignment and healing.

Alternatives to Massage for Herniated Disc Relief

While massage can be beneficial for some individuals, there are other treatment options for herniated disc relief that may be more appropriate, depending on the severity of your condition. These include:

• Physical therapy – A physical therapist can guide you through exercises and stretches designed to strengthen your back and neck muscles, improving posture and reducing pressure on the discs.
• Hot and cold therapy – Alternating between heat and cold treatments can reduce inflammation and promote healing. Your physical therapist may recommend this in conjunction with massage therapy.
• Yoga and stretching – Gentle yoga and stretching exercises can increase flexibility and reduce tension in the muscles surrounding the herniated disc. However, it is important to practice these under the guidance of a qualified instructor who understands your condition.
• Chiropractic care – A chiropractor may use spinal manipulation to alleviate pain caused by a herniated disc.
• Medications – Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen, or prescription medications may be used to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Epidural steroid injections – For more severe pain, corticosteroid injections into the epidural space around the spinal cord may reduce inflammation and pain.

Massage therapy can be a helpful tool for managing the symptoms of a herniated disc, particularly for relieving muscle tension, increasing circulation, and reducing stress. If you have a herniated disc, consider seeking the expertise of a qualified massage therapist who can tailor the treatment to your needs, ensuring the pressure applied is safe and beneficial. Always prioritize your health and wellbeing, and explore multiple treatment options to achieve the best possible outcome.

If you are struggling with a herniated disc, talk to your doctor about the best course of treatment for your condition. By working closely with your healthcare team and listening to your body, you can determine whether massage therapy is an appropriate and effective part of your herniated disc treatment plan.

If you have a herniated disc that is not responding to conservative treatment, a discectomy may be discussed and potentially recommended. Although this is generally a very successful back surgery procedure, having a large hole in the outer ring of the disc more than doubles the risk of needing another operation. A new treatment, Barricaid, is a bone-anchored device that closes this hole, and 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in a 2-year study timeframe. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital. 

If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment, ask your doctor or contact us.

For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.