The German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) has published a report that shows that not all forms of massage can help to relieve backpain, but Thai massage is among the ones where even scientific evidence supports the statement that it can help with backpain.
If you know anything about how scientists measure the effectivity of back pain treatments, that’s quiet a major accomplishment, because in general it is very difficult for any “alternative” treatment for to get scientific approval.
In Thailand for example, Thai massage is often used in hospitals and clinics together with Western medical methods to improve painful conditions of the back. I am very confident that a skilled Thai massage therapist can help to relieve backpain, however, it is also important to note that most Thai masseurs and masseuses are not highly trained and qualified, but rather provide a pleasant massage that has general health benefits, but when it comes to treating specific ailments, it’s worth to take the time to locate a really good practitioner.
You can read more about this here.