It seems that back and neck massage is joining the medical establishment as an effective treatment. In the past, people who enjoyed a massage were mainly looking for relaxation. This year marks the first time the annual survey sponsored by the American Massage Therapy Association found a significant number of massage therapy clients looking to solve a medical problem --30%. This, of course, included back and neck pain, as well as headaches, anxiety and more. In fact, massage therapy was 3 times as popular as medication as a form of pain relief in those surveyed. Doctor's have been recommending massage to their patients more often, too, the study found.

Photo: Harry Altman, Student Massuer: Jason Cooper

If you are considering getting a massage to help ease your back or neck pain, the President of the American Massage Therapy Association, Mary Beth Braun, has some advice on shopping for your therapist. Find out what questions to ask before you make that back massage appointment.

• Alternative Medicine for Back and Neck Pain
• Managing Chronic Pain Holistically
• Neck Massage Techniques you can do on yourself.
• Types of Massage
• Embarrassing Massage Questions