Research
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http://www.library.nhs.uk/CAM/ViewResource.aspx?resID=237019&tabID=289
Published 16th November 2009 this supports the recognition and positive benefits of massage on low back pain. 70%-85% of the population will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. The website is quite easy to navigate and will lead you to all sorts of other therapies and research - enjoy!
http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/pdf/CG88NICEGuideline.pdf
Especially page 7. This is the most up to date research (2009). It recommends both massage and a supported physical exercise regime in helping to alleviate low back pain.
http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/crdweb/ShowRecord.asp?View=Full&ID=11999000203
This research in support of low back pain was undertaken by E. Ernst who is a well known researcher in Complementary Therapies - check out some of his work - there's lots and it's all evidence based. This piece of work was undertaken at York University in 2000 and in it Professor Ernst highlights that whilst more rigorous trials need to be taken out in regard to low back pain and massage massage is itself as useful as spinal manipulation.
It's taken until 2009 for the NICE guidelines to actually state that massage/manual therapy is effective and appropriate for low back pain - and 16th November 2009 for yet more positive results for the appropriate use of massage as an aid to low back pain.
(updated 20.11.09)
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