One of the most common injuries that affect people today is back pain and back injury. These injuries happen whether you're doing lifting or sitting by a desk every day. The following advice will help you cope with these pains and discomforts.

Buy a mattress that has the proper firmness to prevent back pain. Most experts concur that excessively soft mattresses work against those who suffer from back pain. Firm mattresses may be recommended but mattresses that are too unyielding will only result in more pain. It's a good idea to go to several stores that sell mattesses, and try them out for the right firmness before buying.

To find out how bad the injury to your back is and avoid making it worse, rest a few days. If the pain subsides in that time, then it is safe to assume it was a minor injury. Then again, the pain could get worse or stay the same; in which case, you'd have to see a doctor or chiropractor to determine the cause. Resting for more than 48 hours usually won't do any good, and it may even make the problem worse due to back muscle atrophy.

Do not slouch for any amount of time for any reason, like when you vacuum. If you notice that while you vacuum you have to bend over to reach and push the vacuum forward, your back will start to hurt. Stand straight and maintain good posture by pushing your vacuum with your legs instead of your back to avoid creating pain.

Avoid stress if you have back pain, since tensing muscles can make it worse. Learning helpful techniques of relaxation, or smart ways to stretch the affected muscles will go much further in relieving your back pain and releasing tension. Take the time to rest and apply moist heat to the injured areas to alleviate the pain in your back.

Muscle spasms will need to be eased if you are having serious back pain. Cramped muscles can be calmed down by putting a heating pad on the area that is bothering you. Drinking plenty of water and limiting how much sodium you consume will also help the pain dissipate. Dehydration can cause or worsen your muscle spasms.

Pain in the lower back is known as the main type of back pain, along with being the second common reason people see a doctor. Taking precautions in your daily life can prevent this pain from cropping up. With the odds of getting back pain so high, you will want to take all the steps possible to keep your body in the best possible shape.

If you are constantly frustrated and worried about your back pain, your condition will not improve. Learn to relax to avoid experiencing a muscle spasm. If you are experiencing pain, make sure to get some rest and apply heat directly to the areas most affected.

Back injuries and back pain can be very serious ailments. If the pain isn't properly treated, it might lead to disability over the long-term, which could negatively affect your life. It can be very difficult for a person to recover from severe back pain, so prevention is the key. However, if you do start having back pain, knowing how to effectively treat it is essential. This article contains valuable advice on how to treat back pain and avoid back injury.