If suffering from back pain has taken away some of the fun in your life, then it's time to re-think the healing process and what to do about it. As many of us know, back pain can happen at just about any time.

Maybe you reached over to get something out of the glove compartment, biked a few extra miles, worked in the garden as usual or you simply bent over to pet the dog. It's hard to believe that these seemingly mundane activities can pop a disc, sprain a muscle or ligament and make your life miserable. But they can and they do and almost everyone will experience some type of back pain in their lives.

Back pain can be easy to just brush off with 'oh it's nothing', but you need to pay attention to it. Naturally after a full day in the garden, for example, you're bound to feel a little stiffness maybe even a little sore, but if the pain feels like it's getting worse or restricting your movements, then you must get medical attention right away. If your accident was of a more serious nature like an unexpected fall, a car accident or a slip that causes you to land on your back, then seek medical attention immediately, don't wait.

Once you have seen a medical professional, been diagnosed and had treatment there are a few things that you can do to help prevent re-injury while doing everyday activities like driving, or sitting at your desk.

When driving, always remember to adjust your seat so that the back is vertical and supporting your back. If the seat back is adjusted correctly then, as a natural course of movement, your head will be able to rest comfortably on the headrest. In addition keep your elbows in a slightly bent position with your shoulders down. And always adjust both the rearview and side mirrors of your car.

Some of us are at the computer upwards of eight to ten hours a day and it's easy to hunch or not sit up straight which develops bad posture. The best way to avoid this is to rest your feet on the floor with your knees and hips bent at ninety degrees. Remember to keep your shoulder blades down and your chin level.

You may not consider sleeping an activity but even so there are some things you can do to help relieve back pain even while sleeping. If your current mattress is sagging it's not supporting your back so get rid of it and purchase a firm one that will support your back. Sleeping on your side or your back with a pillow between your knees can be another way to help your back pain.

Back pain can be slow to heal, so be patient and avoid re-injury.