Traditional Thai massage usually involves stretches, bends, twists, and other manipulation of the spine. Serious complications associated with this manipulation are extremely rare. But given the delicate nature of the spine, there’s a certain risk of intervertebral disc injury if an unconscientious, unskilled masseuse will force your body into an improper position or through an abnormal range of motion.
A ruptured or herniated spinal disc will irritate nearby nerve roots, entailing acute pain which starts in the lower back or neck and may spread to the buttocks and thighs, shoulders, and arms. This pain can last for a few weeks until the disc is healed. However, those who have already developed degenerative disc disease may face way more severe consequences and even require surgery to repair the damage.