When it comes to back pain, the intensity of symptoms can range anywhere from dull and tolerable to acute, agonizing pain. Back pain can also affect the upper, middle, or lower section of the back or even all three areas. Fortunately, the advice in this article will offer insight into the nature of this condition and how to get back pain relief.

Use ice to help alleviate back pain, as it can reduce swelling and inflammation from injuries that cause back pain. Apply the ice to the affected area two or three times per day for 10 to 20 minutes, and this may help you feel better. An ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables can be used for this purpose.

If you suffer from problems with back pain, heat and ice your back. In the first two to three days of back pain, you want to put ice on it to reduce the inflammation. After the first three days of icing your back you want to apply heat to loosen and relax your muscles.

Avoid motions that twist your spine. The more often you twist, the higher your chance of injury. You should especially avoid twisting while lifting heavy objects. Change your position or the way you're doing the activity if you notice straining in your muscles while twisting. Paying attention to the warning signs early can save you pain later.

It is important to know and understand whether your back pain is chronic or acute. Chronic back pain lasts for more than three months and is a continuous back pain usually from the result of an injury or illness. Acute back pain can also come from an injury and for other reasons and usually comes on fast and lasts for only a short period of time.

Make sure you watch your posture at all times, whether standing or sitting. Poor posture leads to back problems. You should sit up in your chair at all times, and arm rests are important on chairs if possible to allow your back the support it needs. Extended use of a chair without arm rests can really put a strain on the back.

If you have to be in the sitting position for a large portion of your day, be sure that your chair has a comfortable pad in the back. This will help give your back the support that it needs, which in turn, will help to prevent any unnecessary back pains.

Quitting smoking can help to ease back pain. People who smoke, especially heavy smokers, do not have as much blood flow to the spine as those who don't smoke. Without a sufficient amount of blood flow to the spine, your back will hurt.

Furthermore, back pain can be difficult to live with. When people who have back pain try to do normal activities, they are often met with excruciating pain. Back pain sufferers can ease their pain with the right methods, such as the ones found in the tips of this article. Use them to ease your back pain.