Back pain of some form is one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor. It can be very debilitating and difficult to live with. So, what are its causes and how can you deal with it?

Causes
The most common cause of upper back pain is poor posture. Sitting for long periods can often result in extremely poor posture, where the spine takes on more of a "C" shape, rather than the ideal and more natural "S" shape.

It can also be caused by a herniated disc in the upper part of the spine. The spinal column is cushioned by gel filled discs that help absorb the impact of general movements like walking or running. Over time, these discs degenerate and can easily become dislocated or herniated. This causes painful pressure on nerves and sensitive areas of the upper back and neck.

Treatments
First of all, straighten up! The first step in helping improve your posture is just being aware of it. Additionally a back support cushion can also prove helpful. Something like The Freedom Back cushion offered by The Healthy Back Institute can help eliminate your upper back pain and keep it from coming back. The Freedom Back cushion has a specialized channel for your spinal column to prevent unnecessary pressure on that area. Its also long and wide to provide you with full length support that hugs your body closely. It even has a built in massaging system that helps relieve tension and stimulate blood flow to your back and help promote healing. To view this back cushion and the many others The Healthy Back Institute offers, visit www.losethebackpain.com.

Sometimes over the counter pain medications can help provide relief from upper back pain. Try anti-inflammatory medicines like Aleve to help reduce swelling that may be the source of your pain.

Heat can also help relieve tension and pain in the upper back. However, a typical heating pad may not be able to penetrate the muscles deeply enough to provide long lasting relief. The Healthy Back Institute has just the solution for that. The infrared heating pad helps promote healing by getting deep into affected muscle to relax tension and keep it away.

Prevention
The key to having a healthy back is exercise. Having a strong core will support your upper body easily and prevent injury and pain down the line. Walking and running helps strengthen your back in addition to giving a great aerobic exercise, which promotes blood flow and increased oxygen and nutrient levels to weakened areas.

Also, invest in a good cervical pillow. You can also sleep with a pillow under your knees, or sleep on your side. Having good spinal alignment when youre sleeping will prevent you from waking up with back and neck pain that lasts throughout the day.

The Healthy Back Institutes top priority is to provide their customers with back pain relief. They offer a wide range of products to promote healing in natural ways.