Effect of Massage on Chronic Low Back Pain

Inclusion Criteria: * 20 through 64 years of age * members of Group Health Cooperative health plan * low back pain lasting at least 3 months Exclusion Criteria: * non-mechanical causes of back pain (e.g., sciatica, systemic/visceral disease, pregnancy, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, cancer, recent vertebral fracture) * inappropriate candidate for massage (active open skin lesions, conditions exacerbated by increased circulation, recent strokes or heart attacks, compromised immune system, systemic edema, hypersensitivity to touch or loss of sensation, recent surgery, active contagious infection) * characteristics complicating the interpretation of findings (e.g., involved with litigation or compensation claim, severe or progressive neurological deficit, back surgery within last 3 years, receiving other back treatment) * unable to speak or read English * had massage for any reason in prior 12 months