Massage therapy for low back pain: a systematic review

Ernst E. Massage therapy for low back pain: a systematic review. Journal of Pain Symptomology Management. 1999 Jan;17(1):65–9. PubMed #9919867.

PainSci summary of Ernst 1999?This page is one of thousands in the PainScience.com bibliography. It is not a general article: it is focused on a single scientific paper, and it may provide only just enough context for the summary to make sense. Links to other papers and more general information are provided at the bottom of the page, as often as possible. ★★★☆☆?3-star ratings are for typical studies with no more (or less) than the usual common problems. Ratings are a highly subjective opinion, and subject to revision at any time. If you think this paper has been incorrectly rated, please let me know.

This is a review of four studies, all of which were burdened with “major methodological flaws.” It concludes that “Massage seems to have some potential as a therapy for LBP. More investigations of this subject are urgently needed.” (Such as the large study finally published in 2011: see Massage Therapy Kinda, Sorta Works for Back Pain.)

related content

These two articles on PainScience.com cite Ernst 1999 as a source:

• PS Does Massage Therapy Work? — A review of the science of massage therapy … such as it is
• PS Save Yourself from Low Back Pain! — Low back pain myths debunked and all your treatment options reviewed