QuestionI have been seeing a massage therapist for lower back pain for over the past three months. But a week ago, I awoke one morning, and couldn't stand up straight, the pain in my lower back was intense. I tried to soothe the pain with hot water bottle sittings, then with ice sittings, then with a chiropractor adjustment. And after four days of pain decided to see a massage therapist. I'm sure I have an inflammation because it happens often, where the muscles are extremely tight and ache (I've been told this often by the chiropractor and massage therapist), but seem to have issues in various locations. I sit at a computer desk all day for work and do not get much exercise otherwise. I am 5'2" and weigh 158lbs, I know losing 20lbs more would be a benefit - so I'm working on that. I have IBS with frequent constipation, and have frequent abdominal bloating and gas; so I carry most of my weight in my abdominals. I have had a c-section and hysterectomy (15 yrs apart) both with abdominal cuts, so those muscles are very lax in that area. I thought maybe the lower back pain was a result of a bowel inflammation? Since my frequent massages (2-3 times per week) I have excessive bruising. Was advised that I have a collagen buildup in lower back into the glutes area. It's uncomfortable to straighten up, sit, or walk - only relief is lying on side. Is this collagen buildup going to fade with repeated massage therapy, is there anything I can do myself to assist alleviating this? I was only told that continuous easy stretching frequently everyday, throughout the day, would seriously help my problem; and to try Yoga. I am 42 years old but my body feels like an 85 year old. I am very careful what I do in a day because I know my muscles cannot handle much. Any advice would help. Please Help!
AnswerDear Terry,
I am so sorry to hear about what you are going through. I will give you the best advice I know. I had something similar happen to me and I am approximately your age where there was pain in my back and I couldn't move. I was lucky and it resolved more quickly than yours.
I do think that the chiropractic/massage approach is a good one. However, bruising is NOT something that should happen with massage therapy (and I'm a licensed massage therapist). I think you may be aggravating things by going to the massage therapist too often especially if you are bruising and it doesn't sound like you are getting a whole lot of relief. How much relief did you get from the chiropractor? I would avoid using heat since the injury is still acute (new), ice is much better. One thing that may cut down on inflammation is a product called emu oil (in the United States you can get it at health food stores) you can also get it at amazon.com or a company I trust is www.uniquelyemu.com . This will help 1) reduce inflammation (so will ice - remember with ice only 15-20 minutes at a time) and also help some with the pain.
I think before concentrating on the collagen buildup you need to focus on getting relief from your stiffness and pain. I know you can only lay on your side (I'm hoping you can lay on both sides). Take time when you get home from work. and just rest your back. Also ask your chiropractor about a back brace for when you are working, because as you know sitting for a long period of time will just exacerbate the low back pain.
I do have two additional suggestions. Have you seen a medical doctor? He/she may be able to get you into physical therapy. You might combine chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy (and remember in PT it is not no pain no gain, just do what you can). I do think that gentle stretching (which they can show you in physical therapy) or yoga - if you are careful and listen to your body - if you cant move, don't. If another movement is ok, move gently. (yoga with time also helps strengthen your abs and that helps your back as well). I'm glad you are being careful.
One last thing: regarding massage therapy, have you had reflexology done? That may help your IBS. Reflexology is based on Chinese medicine and if you have your colon area worked especially - I think you will find benefit. You will likely need more than one session but may see some change after the first session. When it comes to massage, I'd back off when it comes to your back and maybe once every week max (but I haven't felt your muscles, but listening to your experience that's my advice. I would back off the pressure (so you don't bruise).
As for the collagen, yes with massage (deep tissue, like it sounds you have been receiving) it should break it up, deep tissue does not have to bruise and shouldn't bruise. It doesn't have to hurt so bad that you are about to jump off the table. You can still get breaking up (may take a little longer but may be better for your body) to back off a bit on the pressure.
But my advice is before focusing on the collagen buildup, focus on reducing the inflammation on those areas of your back. (ice, emu oil, chiropractor &/or physical therapy and some massage if desired - but less frequently and maybe shorter sessions).
I hope that helps and please don't hesitate to write back again, whether it be questions as you progress, etc.
I will be thinking about you and I hope your recovery begins to continue at a faster speed than at the moment.
Sincerely, Jessica
