Massage Therapy is best strategy for back pain. Relatively extensive research suggests that it is more effective, in fact than any other kind of physical therapy, including Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Physiotherapy etc. Unfortunately, the effects of massage therapy are generally not well researched and documented. However, as back pain is such a common affliction (most people suffer from a bout of severe back pain at least once in their life and many repeatedly), more extensive research has been done in the area of back pain and the findings are conclusive. Want to read more about back pain and massage? http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/news/20010531/massage-may-be-best-approach-for-back-pain