Massage that relieves low back pain could have a previously unknown benefit: improved memory.

In the first study of its kind, British researchers have found that low back pain corresponds to compromised prospective memory, the process of remembering to do things at some future point in time. (Examples of PM include remembering to keep an appointment, such as a visit to a health-care practitioner, or to perform a particular task, such as paying a bill on time.) The research was reported in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine in April.

The prospective memory of 50 participants with chronic pain was compared with 50 pain-free participants. Each participant completed the Prospective Memory Questionnaire, which assesses certain aspects of prospective memory, and records the use of strategies to aid remembering.

In comparison to those not in pain, participants with chronic pain had significantly impaired short-term prospective memory, an effect that was evident even after co-varying use of analgesics and other drugs.