One of the most overlooked causes of back pain is trigger points in the abdominal muscles. Your abdominal muscles act to flex the trunk and to stabilize the upper body during most movements. As a result they can often become overloaded and strained. When this happens trigger points will form. These points will not only cause pain to be felt in the abdominal area but will also often refer pain into the back as well. Most massage for back pain is focused on the back muscles and the abs are often overlooked. If back pain in present the abdominals must be assessed to determine there involvement for a proper treatment to have the desired effect.