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.

Most spinal problems are a result of lifting heavy weights but they can also 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. An easy, inexpensive method to treat pain and bring relief is stretching; it actually relaxes the back muscles which can become knotted and tight, causing discomfort.

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.

Although acupuncture is an age old Chinese medical practice that has been used for thousands of years, it is only recently that the Western world has accepted it as an alternative form of back pain relief. The Chinese believed all humans have an energy force called qi and by inserting needles in specific parts of the body, it can help to unblock qi and restore the flow. Many sufferers swear by the use of acupuncture and results from many tests often back this claim. This treatment has indicating the patient does receive pain relief by using this method.

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.

Natural back pain relief should really start with more frequent exercise which will not only help ensure the back is more flexible but help prevent spinal problems.