Can I give my boyfriend a back massage?

[simplySillyMEE123]

My boyfriend has a lot of back issues and has recently slipped 3 discs in his back and is in a lot of pain , even with the pain meds. I was wondering if I could give him a back rub? Just a nice gentle massaging of his back, neck and shoulders. Is this a nice gesture or will it worsen his problem?

[GingerBear]

Where abouts are the slipped discs? If they're quite low, like in the lumbar or lower thoracic, you should be fine to give a neck and shoulder rub, but don't go lower. If the injury is higher up, it's probably safer to avoid it, and leave it to the physio/chiro or whoever he's seeing.

[madhatters4]

massages aren't bad but he probably needs massages from professionals. massages can definitely help but unless he gets an ok from a doctor that it's ok to get a massage it may be smart to wait and find out what his doc says

[SmoMan]

You could try it, but like you said be gentle with him. Back problems are not something to mess with too much. If it hurts, stop.

[simplySillyMEE123]

I was also wondering if he could use a heating pad to loosen up his neck; his muscles have been really tight. Would that help?

[SmoMan]

You mean like one of those microwaveable ones? Both my mother and girlfriend love them for neck and shoulder pain.

[simplySillyMEE123]

Thank you, you have been very helpful.

[SmoMan]

That is apparently what I am here for. Good luck, and I hope he feels better soon.

[Skydas]

You could worsen things. You should ask his doctor about that matter.

[AmandaLynn1930]

why dont u ask him? he probably knows best.