New research confirms that some – but not all – types of massage can help ease lower back pain.

Scientists at the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care say that certain types of massage have been proven to help alleviate back pain.

"Research suggests that classic massage, Thai massage and acupressure can relieve low back pain that has lasted longer than several weeks," said the Institute’s director Peter Sawicki.

In classic – or Swedish – massage the affected area of skin and muscles are massaged, in Thai massage the limbs are pulled and stretched, and acupressure involves applying pressure to certain points on the body.

While these methods are proven to help ease pain, researchers say combining exercise and stretching with massage is the best approach.

The cause of back pain is not always clear and healthcare professionals say it usually gets better on its own within a few weeks. Back pain is only rarely caused by a more serious health problem.

The American Chiropractic Association reports that as many as 31 million Americans experience low back pain at any given time.