For many people who suffer with back pain, they live in constant agony; affecting almost every type of activity, only back pain relief medication seems to help for a while. Whilst prescription pain relief pills may in fact dull the pain to a manageable degree, they do not treat the root cause of the problem.

Many people with spinal problems become addicted to the medication that relieves the back pain but this should really be the responsibility of a doctor. Back pain is often caused by muscle strains, repeated strenuous exercises and poor sitting posture.

A lot of spinal problems can be caused by lifting even light weights incorrectly, the pain is usually experienced in the lower back. More recently people are willing to try natural back pain relief treatments to stop their reliance on other types of medication. Stretching can be effective at reducing back as it relaxes the muscles which are often tense.

Some are finding relief using reflexology, an ancient type of alternative medical treatment. It uses the concept that certain areas of the body having corresponding areas on the feet which can benefit from massage. In addition to this, reflexology can also help to improve the blood circulation which in turn provides relief to aching and tired muscles.

The traditional Chinese medicine therapy acupuncture is now providing back pain relief with people suffering spinal problems in the West. If you follow Traditional Chinese medicine then you will know that they believe all people have a unique energy force running through their body called qi or chi. Chi is blocked in a sick body and needles inserted into specific points, ease many types of pain. Like reflexology, acupuncture seems to be used by people who suffer with chronic conditions like back pain which requires relief.

A slower and gentler type of Yoga called Tai Chi, once again from China, is another method of back pain control. Tai Chi is however very gentle and easily performed by young and older people. It focuses on breathing exercises with additional stretching movements.

A good preventative form of back pain relief is to actually exercise more regularly. This not only conditions the back but is an excellent preventative measure.