Researchers in Germany have said that for those suffering from lower-back pain that doesn't go away, massage, especially with exercises and stretching, may help.

Research suggests that classic massage, Thai massage and acupressure can relieve lower back pain that has lasts longer than several weeks, Peter Sawicki, director of the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, an independent scientific institute that investigates the benefits and harms of medical interventions, said.

Sawicki further explained that in classic Swedish massage, the skin and muscles are massaged, in Thai massage the limbs are pulled and stretched and in acupressure, pressure is applied to certain points on the body.

Sawicki says in a statement, "But relying on massage alone does not appear to be the best approach when it comes to back pain."

Sawicki further adds that the studies show people have better pain relief and mobility if they combine massages with exercises and stretching. (With Inputs from Agencies)