Treatment of Upper Back Pain with Thai Therapeutic Massage for Office Workers
Article Sidebar
Published:
Dec 26, 2018
Keywords:
traditional Thai massage upper back pain office worker
Main Article Content
Abstract
The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders with upper back pain has been increasing in relation to the
use of computers of office workers. The aim of this study was to review the treatment procedures of
traditional Thai massage (TTM), or Nuad Thai, for upper back pain. The review covered: the symptoms of
upper back pain; TTM-related physical examination, diagnosis, treatment and advice; anatomical structures
associated with TTM; and reported effectiveness of TTM in reducing pain intensity, decreasing anxiety,
enhancing tissue flexibility, increasing relaxation, increasing pressure pain threshold, and improving cervical
range of motion (CROM).
use of computers of office workers. The aim of this study was to review the treatment procedures of
traditional Thai massage (TTM), or Nuad Thai, for upper back pain. The review covered: the symptoms of
upper back pain; TTM-related physical examination, diagnosis, treatment and advice; anatomical structures
associated with TTM; and reported effectiveness of TTM in reducing pain intensity, decreasing anxiety,
enhancing tissue flexibility, increasing relaxation, increasing pressure pain threshold, and improving cervical
range of motion (CROM).
Article Details
Section
Review Article
References
1. Ozaras N. Differential diagnosis in upper back pain. J Rheum Dis Treat 2015; 1: 1. 1:003e9.
2. Janwantanakul P, Pensri P, Jiamjarasrangsri V, Sinsongsook T. Prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among office workers. Occup Med (Lond) 2008; 58(6): 436-8. doi: 10.1093/occmed/kqn072.
3. Sinsongsook T. The prevalence and work-related factors of musculoskeletal complaints among nursing personnel in King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital (thesis). Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University; 2004. 107 p. (in Thai)
4. Rammayan T, Boonyarit P, Pinsanoh I, Khruakhorn S, Kanchanomai S. Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms at upper body parts due to smartphone usage among lower secondary school students. Srinagarind Med J 2016; 31(6): 392-98. (in Thai)
5. Kanchanomai S. Incidence and risk factors for development and persistence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the spine in undergraduate students: a 1-year prospective cohort study (dissertation). Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University; 2010. 286 p. (in Thai)
6. Techakamolsuk D. Prevalence and related factors of musculoskeletal symptoms in audio compact cassette plant’s workers (thesis). Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University; 2000. 153 p. (in Thai)
7. Chaiear N, Buranruk O, Pinitsoontorn S, Boonma M, Leelathanapipat S. Health effects of computer use among Thai Commercial Bank workers, Khon Kaen, Thailand. Srinagarind Med J 2005; 20(1): 3-10. (in Thai)
8. Phonharn N, Rueangworaboon S, Boonkaew K, Srivirat A. The physical symptoms that occur from using a computer of support staff at Nakhon Phanom University. Srinakharinwirot University Journal of Science and Technology. 2014; 6(12):26-38. (in Thai)
9. Sethpitak T. The study of work conditions that contribute to the severity of computer syndrome (thesis). Bangkok: Thammasat University; 2015. 96 p.
(in Thai)
10. Thai Traditional Medical Professions Act, B.E. 2556 (2013). Published in Government Gazette, Vol. 130, Part 10A. (1 Feb 2013). (in Thai)
11. Boonruab J. Effectiveness of the court-type Thai traditional massage versus topical diclofenac on treating patients with myofascial pain syndrome in the upper and middle trapezius (dissertation). Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University; 2014. 120 p. (in Thai)
12. Mongkol S, Sawangjaithum K, Netwera V. The effect of royal traditional Thai massage in patients with myofacial pain syndrome at upper trapezius muscle: a pilot study. Journal of Medical Technology and Physical Therapy. 2013; 25(1):87-95. (in Thai)
13. Yookong N, Jorrakate C, Boonyarom O. Comparisons of the treatment effect on myofascial pain syndrome of the upper trapezius muscle between royal Thai traditional massage and ischemic compression technique. Journal of Sports Science and Technology. 2014;14(1):155-66. (in Thai)
14. Wamontree P, Kanchanakhan N, Eungpinichpong W, Jeensawek A. Effects of traditional Thai self-massage using a Wilai massage stickTM versus ibuprofen in patients with upper back pain associated with myofascial trigger points: a randomized controlled trial. J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 2015;27(11):3493-97.
15. Buttagat V, Eungpinichpong W, Chatchawan U, Kharmwan S. The immediate effects of traditional Thai massage on heart rate variability and stress-related parameters in patients with back pain associated with myofascial trigger points. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies. 2011;15:15-23.
16. Chatchawan U, Thinkhamrop B, Kharmwan S, Knowles J, Eungpinichpong W. Effectiveness of traditional Thai massage versus Swedish massage among patients with back pain associated with myofascial trigger points. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies. 2005;9:298-09.
17. Buttagat W, Eungpinichpong W, Kaber D, Chatchawan U, Arayawichanon P. Acute effects of traditional Thai massage on electroencephalogram in patients with scapulocostal syndrome. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2012;20:167-74.
18. Dictionary of Thai traditional medicine and pharmacy, Royal
Institute of Thailand. 2nd ed. Bangkok: Printing Mill Office, War Veterans Organization of Thailand; 2010. Lom Plai Pattakhat; p. 223. (in Thai)
19. Deewiset K, editor. Lines, points and diseases in the theory of Nuad Thai (traditional Thai massage). 1st ed. Bangkok: Printing Mill Office, War Veterans Organization of Thailand; 1995. 88 p. (in Thai)
20. Suwannatrai U, editor. Thai therapeutic massage (Nuad Thai or court-type traditional Thai massage). 1st ed. Bangkok: Suphawanich Publishing; 2003. 190 p. (in Thai)
21. Supcharoen P, editor. Nuad Thai (court-type traditional Thai massage) handbook. 1st ed. Bangkok: Samcharoen Panich; 2007. 199 p. (in Thai)
22. Limtiyayothin A, Limtiyayothin S, Sookmaitri K, Premkamon K, Wisessutthimon P, Worrathamphitak T., et al. Nuad Thai (court-type traditional Thai massage) training manual. 1st ed. Bangkok: PK Max Design; 2015. 255 p. (in Thai)
23. Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. Nuad Thai (traditional Thai massage). 5th ed. Nonthaburi: Office of the University Press, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University; 2010. 496 p. (in Thai)
24. Laohapand T, Jaturatamrong U, Jantabut C, Tonglue T, Kamkaew P, Punpeng P., et al. Thai traditional medicine in the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital. 1st ed. Bangkok: Suphawanich Publishing; 2009. 115 p. (in Thai)
25. Sitthithanyakit K, Themwiset P, editors. People’s handbook for healthcare with Thai traditional and alternative medicine. 1st ed. Bangkok: Printing Mill Office, War Veterans Organization of Thailand; 2004. 302 p. (in Thai)
26. Supcharoen P, Limtiyayothin A, Manosil U. Nuad Thai (court-type traditional Thai massage) training manual. 1st ed. Bangkok: Sam Chareon publishing; 2006. 187 p. (in Thai)
27. Deewiset K, editor. Nuad Thai (traditional Thai massage) training manual. 4th ed. Bangkok: Samcharoen Panich (Bangkok); 2001. 336 p. (in Thai)
28. Limudomporn M, Kwankhao P, Kitniyom B, Tantipidok Y, Chinsoi P, Buadok K., et al. Study on the examination, diagnosis and treatment based on the theories of 10 main energy lines (sen prathan sib) and elements (tard) of Thai massage therapists. Journal of Thai Traditional & Alternative Medicine. 2012;10(1):23-42. (in Thai)
29. ThaiLIS. [cited 2017 October 22]; Available from: https://tdc.thailis.or.th/tdc/basic.php
30. Sciencedirect. [Internet]. [cited 2017 October 23]; Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/
31. PubMed. US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. [Internet]. [cited 2017 October 23]; Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed
32. Google Scholar. [Internet]. [cited 2017 October 24]; Available from: https://scholar.google.co.th/
33. Zuchi C, Tritto I, Ambrosio G. Angina pectoris in women: Focus on microvascular disease. International Journal of Cardiology. 2013;163(2):132-40.
34. Doctor NS, Shah AB, Coplan N, Kronzon I. Acute pericarditis. Prog Cardiovas Dis. 2017;59(4):349-59.
35. Hayes AJ, Mole DJ. Benign liver lesions. Surgery (Oxford).2017;35(12): 700-6.
36. Singh S. Respiratory symptoms and signs. Medicine.2016;44(4): 205-12.
37. Saunders MG, Edwards CM. Symptoms and signs of upper gastrointestinal disease. Medicine. 2015;43(3): 141-45
38. Vigna FE, Tortolani PJ. Cervical myelopathy: differential diagnosis. Seminars in Spine Surgery. 2004;16(4): 228-33.
39. Ayub AA, Anwar HA. Cervical myelopathy. J Orthop Trauma. 2015;29(6): 399-07.
40. Singh S, Kumar D, Kumar S. Risk factors in cervical spondylosis. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2014;5(4):221-6.
41. Kongkaew C, Lertsinthai P, Jampachaisri K, Mongkhon P, Meesomperm P, Kornkaew K., et al. The effects of Thai yoga on physical fitness: a meta-analysis of randomized control trial. J Altern & Complem Med. 2018. doi.org/10.1089/acm.2017.0257.
42. Eungpinichpong W. The ten lines of Nuad Thai (traditional Thai massage) and myofascial trigger points. J Med Tech & Phys Therapy. 2004;16(1-3):8-13. (in Thai)
43. Simons DG. Review of enigmatic MTrPs as a common cause of enigmatic musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2004;14: 95–07.
44. Bennett R. Myofascial pain syndromes and their evaluation. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology. 2007;21(3):427–45.
45. McCormick T, Law S. Assessment of acute and chronic pain. Anaes & Intens Care Med. 2016;17(9):421-24.
46. Laohapand T, Jaturatamrong U, editors. Nuad Thai (Thai therapeutic massage or court-type Thai massage): basic massage. 1st ed. Bangkok: Suphawanich Publishing; 2011. 102 p. (in Thai)
47. Laohapand T, Jaturatamrong U, editors. Nuad Thai (Thai therapeutic massage or court-type Thai massage): part 2, signaling points massage. 1st ed. Bangkok: Suphawanich Publishing; 2014. 206p. (in Thai)
48. Chantawang N, Mairuae N, Homwutthiwong K. Khongsri S, Raomad W, Lapyuneyong N. Anatomical locations in the upper limbs that correlate with basic massage lines and signaling points of Nuad Thai. J Thai Trad & Altern Med. 2017;15(2):205-21.
49. Chantawang N, Homwutthiwong K. Chupawa P. Anatomical locations in the trunk correlated with basic massage lines and signaling points of Nuad Thai. J Thai Trad & Altern Med. 2018;16(2):248-67.
50. Ibáñez-García J, Alburquerque-Sendín F, Rodríguez-Blanco C, Girao D, Atienza-Meseguer A, Planella-Abella S., et al. Changes in masseter muscles trigger points following strain-counterstrain or neuro-muscular technique. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2009; 13(1): 2-10.
51. Taspinar F, Bas Aslan U, Sabir N, Cavlak U. Implementation of matrix rhythm therapy and conventional massage in young females and comparison of their acute effects on circulation. J Altern Complement Med 2013; 19(10):826-32.
52. Melzack R. Gate control theory: On the evolution of pain concepts. Pain Forum. 1996;5(1): 128-38.
53. Flinder LI, Timofeeva OA, Rosseland CM, Wierød L, Huitfeldt HS, Skarpen E. EGF-induced ERK-activation downstream of FAK requires eac1-NADPH oxidase. J Cell Physiol 2011;226(9):2267-78.
2. Janwantanakul P, Pensri P, Jiamjarasrangsri V, Sinsongsook T. Prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among office workers. Occup Med (Lond) 2008; 58(6): 436-8. doi: 10.1093/occmed/kqn072.
3. Sinsongsook T. The prevalence and work-related factors of musculoskeletal complaints among nursing personnel in King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital (thesis). Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University; 2004. 107 p. (in Thai)
4. Rammayan T, Boonyarit P, Pinsanoh I, Khruakhorn S, Kanchanomai S. Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms at upper body parts due to smartphone usage among lower secondary school students. Srinagarind Med J 2016; 31(6): 392-98. (in Thai)
5. Kanchanomai S. Incidence and risk factors for development and persistence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the spine in undergraduate students: a 1-year prospective cohort study (dissertation). Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University; 2010. 286 p. (in Thai)
6. Techakamolsuk D. Prevalence and related factors of musculoskeletal symptoms in audio compact cassette plant’s workers (thesis). Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University; 2000. 153 p. (in Thai)
7. Chaiear N, Buranruk O, Pinitsoontorn S, Boonma M, Leelathanapipat S. Health effects of computer use among Thai Commercial Bank workers, Khon Kaen, Thailand. Srinagarind Med J 2005; 20(1): 3-10. (in Thai)
8. Phonharn N, Rueangworaboon S, Boonkaew K, Srivirat A. The physical symptoms that occur from using a computer of support staff at Nakhon Phanom University. Srinakharinwirot University Journal of Science and Technology. 2014; 6(12):26-38. (in Thai)
9. Sethpitak T. The study of work conditions that contribute to the severity of computer syndrome (thesis). Bangkok: Thammasat University; 2015. 96 p.
(in Thai)
10. Thai Traditional Medical Professions Act, B.E. 2556 (2013). Published in Government Gazette, Vol. 130, Part 10A. (1 Feb 2013). (in Thai)
11. Boonruab J. Effectiveness of the court-type Thai traditional massage versus topical diclofenac on treating patients with myofascial pain syndrome in the upper and middle trapezius (dissertation). Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University; 2014. 120 p. (in Thai)
12. Mongkol S, Sawangjaithum K, Netwera V. The effect of royal traditional Thai massage in patients with myofacial pain syndrome at upper trapezius muscle: a pilot study. Journal of Medical Technology and Physical Therapy. 2013; 25(1):87-95. (in Thai)
13. Yookong N, Jorrakate C, Boonyarom O. Comparisons of the treatment effect on myofascial pain syndrome of the upper trapezius muscle between royal Thai traditional massage and ischemic compression technique. Journal of Sports Science and Technology. 2014;14(1):155-66. (in Thai)
14. Wamontree P, Kanchanakhan N, Eungpinichpong W, Jeensawek A. Effects of traditional Thai self-massage using a Wilai massage stickTM versus ibuprofen in patients with upper back pain associated with myofascial trigger points: a randomized controlled trial. J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 2015;27(11):3493-97.
15. Buttagat V, Eungpinichpong W, Chatchawan U, Kharmwan S. The immediate effects of traditional Thai massage on heart rate variability and stress-related parameters in patients with back pain associated with myofascial trigger points. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies. 2011;15:15-23.
16. Chatchawan U, Thinkhamrop B, Kharmwan S, Knowles J, Eungpinichpong W. Effectiveness of traditional Thai massage versus Swedish massage among patients with back pain associated with myofascial trigger points. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies. 2005;9:298-09.
17. Buttagat W, Eungpinichpong W, Kaber D, Chatchawan U, Arayawichanon P. Acute effects of traditional Thai massage on electroencephalogram in patients with scapulocostal syndrome. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2012;20:167-74.
18. Dictionary of Thai traditional medicine and pharmacy, Royal
Institute of Thailand. 2nd ed. Bangkok: Printing Mill Office, War Veterans Organization of Thailand; 2010. Lom Plai Pattakhat; p. 223. (in Thai)
19. Deewiset K, editor. Lines, points and diseases in the theory of Nuad Thai (traditional Thai massage). 1st ed. Bangkok: Printing Mill Office, War Veterans Organization of Thailand; 1995. 88 p. (in Thai)
20. Suwannatrai U, editor. Thai therapeutic massage (Nuad Thai or court-type traditional Thai massage). 1st ed. Bangkok: Suphawanich Publishing; 2003. 190 p. (in Thai)
21. Supcharoen P, editor. Nuad Thai (court-type traditional Thai massage) handbook. 1st ed. Bangkok: Samcharoen Panich; 2007. 199 p. (in Thai)
22. Limtiyayothin A, Limtiyayothin S, Sookmaitri K, Premkamon K, Wisessutthimon P, Worrathamphitak T., et al. Nuad Thai (court-type traditional Thai massage) training manual. 1st ed. Bangkok: PK Max Design; 2015. 255 p. (in Thai)
23. Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. Nuad Thai (traditional Thai massage). 5th ed. Nonthaburi: Office of the University Press, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University; 2010. 496 p. (in Thai)
24. Laohapand T, Jaturatamrong U, Jantabut C, Tonglue T, Kamkaew P, Punpeng P., et al. Thai traditional medicine in the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital. 1st ed. Bangkok: Suphawanich Publishing; 2009. 115 p. (in Thai)
25. Sitthithanyakit K, Themwiset P, editors. People’s handbook for healthcare with Thai traditional and alternative medicine. 1st ed. Bangkok: Printing Mill Office, War Veterans Organization of Thailand; 2004. 302 p. (in Thai)
26. Supcharoen P, Limtiyayothin A, Manosil U. Nuad Thai (court-type traditional Thai massage) training manual. 1st ed. Bangkok: Sam Chareon publishing; 2006. 187 p. (in Thai)
27. Deewiset K, editor. Nuad Thai (traditional Thai massage) training manual. 4th ed. Bangkok: Samcharoen Panich (Bangkok); 2001. 336 p. (in Thai)
28. Limudomporn M, Kwankhao P, Kitniyom B, Tantipidok Y, Chinsoi P, Buadok K., et al. Study on the examination, diagnosis and treatment based on the theories of 10 main energy lines (sen prathan sib) and elements (tard) of Thai massage therapists. Journal of Thai Traditional & Alternative Medicine. 2012;10(1):23-42. (in Thai)
29. ThaiLIS. [cited 2017 October 22]; Available from: https://tdc.thailis.or.th/tdc/basic.php
30. Sciencedirect. [Internet]. [cited 2017 October 23]; Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/
31. PubMed. US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. [Internet]. [cited 2017 October 23]; Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed
32. Google Scholar. [Internet]. [cited 2017 October 24]; Available from: https://scholar.google.co.th/
33. Zuchi C, Tritto I, Ambrosio G. Angina pectoris in women: Focus on microvascular disease. International Journal of Cardiology. 2013;163(2):132-40.
34. Doctor NS, Shah AB, Coplan N, Kronzon I. Acute pericarditis. Prog Cardiovas Dis. 2017;59(4):349-59.
35. Hayes AJ, Mole DJ. Benign liver lesions. Surgery (Oxford).2017;35(12): 700-6.
36. Singh S. Respiratory symptoms and signs. Medicine.2016;44(4): 205-12.
37. Saunders MG, Edwards CM. Symptoms and signs of upper gastrointestinal disease. Medicine. 2015;43(3): 141-45
38. Vigna FE, Tortolani PJ. Cervical myelopathy: differential diagnosis. Seminars in Spine Surgery. 2004;16(4): 228-33.
39. Ayub AA, Anwar HA. Cervical myelopathy. J Orthop Trauma. 2015;29(6): 399-07.
40. Singh S, Kumar D, Kumar S. Risk factors in cervical spondylosis. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2014;5(4):221-6.
41. Kongkaew C, Lertsinthai P, Jampachaisri K, Mongkhon P, Meesomperm P, Kornkaew K., et al. The effects of Thai yoga on physical fitness: a meta-analysis of randomized control trial. J Altern & Complem Med. 2018. doi.org/10.1089/acm.2017.0257.
42. Eungpinichpong W. The ten lines of Nuad Thai (traditional Thai massage) and myofascial trigger points. J Med Tech & Phys Therapy. 2004;16(1-3):8-13. (in Thai)
43. Simons DG. Review of enigmatic MTrPs as a common cause of enigmatic musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2004;14: 95–07.
44. Bennett R. Myofascial pain syndromes and their evaluation. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology. 2007;21(3):427–45.
45. McCormick T, Law S. Assessment of acute and chronic pain. Anaes & Intens Care Med. 2016;17(9):421-24.
46. Laohapand T, Jaturatamrong U, editors. Nuad Thai (Thai therapeutic massage or court-type Thai massage): basic massage. 1st ed. Bangkok: Suphawanich Publishing; 2011. 102 p. (in Thai)
47. Laohapand T, Jaturatamrong U, editors. Nuad Thai (Thai therapeutic massage or court-type Thai massage): part 2, signaling points massage. 1st ed. Bangkok: Suphawanich Publishing; 2014. 206p. (in Thai)
48. Chantawang N, Mairuae N, Homwutthiwong K. Khongsri S, Raomad W, Lapyuneyong N. Anatomical locations in the upper limbs that correlate with basic massage lines and signaling points of Nuad Thai. J Thai Trad & Altern Med. 2017;15(2):205-21.
49. Chantawang N, Homwutthiwong K. Chupawa P. Anatomical locations in the trunk correlated with basic massage lines and signaling points of Nuad Thai. J Thai Trad & Altern Med. 2018;16(2):248-67.
50. Ibáñez-García J, Alburquerque-Sendín F, Rodríguez-Blanco C, Girao D, Atienza-Meseguer A, Planella-Abella S., et al. Changes in masseter muscles trigger points following strain-counterstrain or neuro-muscular technique. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2009; 13(1): 2-10.
51. Taspinar F, Bas Aslan U, Sabir N, Cavlak U. Implementation of matrix rhythm therapy and conventional massage in young females and comparison of their acute effects on circulation. J Altern Complement Med 2013; 19(10):826-32.
52. Melzack R. Gate control theory: On the evolution of pain concepts. Pain Forum. 1996;5(1): 128-38.
53. Flinder LI, Timofeeva OA, Rosseland CM, Wierød L, Huitfeldt HS, Skarpen E. EGF-induced ERK-activation downstream of FAK requires eac1-NADPH oxidase. J Cell Physiol 2011;226(9):2267-78.