It could be a dull ache in the lower back that occurs after a long period of sitting or getting out of the car. For some others, the pain is sharper and more intense, and comes on abruptly taking away their breath. With so many options for back pain therapy, how do you know what is the best option?

How and when it happens, back pain is always an unwelcome occurrence. It is said that about 85% of us will suffer at least one episode of bad back pain in our adult lives. That is actually not such a large number, given how the back is structured.

There are 24 small spinal bones that make up the spinal column. These bones basically sit on top of each other and are held in place by muscle, ligaments and tendons. The back is our central support holding the rest of our skeleton and always under the pressure of gravity.

The lower back is a very vulnerable area of the human body. Because of structural biomechanics it seems to be the fulcrum for many of our weight bearing activities. But it is also stressed in our everyday lives with simple activities like lifting, bending, twisting and sitting. If you also have poor muscles, weak posture and degenerated joints then it is no wonder you end up with back pain.

A reassuring fact is that there are a lot of back pain therapy options, together with the fact that a large majority of back pain cases will get better all by themselves. Research shows that eighty percent of cases will get better in 1 month without any treatment. In the next month ninety percent of cases are usually resolved by themselves. This can be good news, but if we don't want to wait 1-2 months what back pain therapy can help things faster?

Of course this can depend on the cause. Your medical doctor or therapist will conduct a medical history and physical examination. X-rays are usually following trauma or if they suspect degenerative changes. Unless it is something like a fracture, x-rays are usually not good at pinpointing the source of pain.

The most common cause of back pain is a sprain or strain of the muscles or ligaments. Just like we can sprain and ankle joint, we can do the same to a joint in the back. Ceasing any aggravating or causative activity is important. The best activity is gentle walking, do not under estimate this as an effective back pain therapy. Natural anti-inflammatory substances like fish oil, cat's claw or turmeric can be used. This can help speed recovery and get you out of pain.

A common mistake about back pain therapy is how to rest the back. Resting the back is not lying in bed for days on end. It does mean ceasing any activities that may be aggravating your back such as twisting or heavy carrying. But studies have shown that resting too long in bed will result in weaker back muscles and more pain and harder recovery.

If your job involves a lot of sitting be sure to get up every 20 minutes. Prolonged static postures are very bad for the lower back. This includes driving. If you have long trips, try to break them up and take some strain off the lower back. When things are feeling better, start to incorporate some core stability work and strength work for your lower back, this back pain therapy that works on prevention can often be the best.