The effectiveness of lumbar and sacral back massage therapy in reducing pain intensity during the active phase of labour in primigravida mothers

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of lumbar and sacral massage therapy in reducing childbirth pain in active phase of labour.

Background: Labour is a phase in a woman's life that is commonly perceived as a time of distress, as she may experience prolonged and excruciating pain. Currently, there are pharmaceutical and non-pharmacological methods available for the treatment of labour pain. Nitrous oxide inhalation, opioid analgesic injection, and epidural analgesia are the most common forms of pharmacological therapy. Nevertheless, these treatments are associated with adverse effects such as nausea and vomiting, as well as prolonged durations of both the initial and subsequent stages of labour.

Approaches: A comprehensive analysis of randomised controlled trials was conducted to assess the most reliable evidence available. Research articles published in the English language from 2013 to 2023 were obtained from MEDLINE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, TRIP, and EMBASE databases. Data was collected using a modified version of a form developed by the Research Council for Complementary Medicine in 2013. This review adhered to the PRISMA checklist and flow diagram for reporting and organisation.

Findings: The review encompassed a collective of eight studies. As there was only one author involved in this review, a meta-analysis was not conducted. Consequently, a comprehensive analysis of the findings was conducted. To achieve this objective, the Cochrane team utilised the risk of bias instrument to evaluate the quality of the study. There were seven research that shown robust methodological rigour, while five studies had a lower level of quality. The evaluated research demonstrated that lumbar and sacral massage is effective in reducing pain intensity, duration, and anxiety experienced during labour.

Summary: The review suggests that lumbar or sacral massage could be a beneficial treatment for pain control during childbirth.