If you’re carrying 10 pounds more than your optimal weight, then try going on a diet. Increased weight, especially around the abdomen, tends to alter the gravity point of your body. These pounds strain your low back, and if they are allowed to remain long term will cause chronic pain in that area.

Aquatic exercise can build muscles and decrease weight while taking pressure off your bones. The water will take the pressure off your spine and back. Your bodies range of motion can improve significantly with water therapy, giving your back some relief. Many recreation centers will have water therapies available.

If you cannot move because of back pain, stretch your hamstrings or muscles in your back gently to help. Your large back muscles spans the torso, so a painful back affects your whole body. You should definitely work on stretching all muscle groups.

Be vigilant about proper posture when sitting down to lower your risk of back pain. Assuming that back pain is only the result of injury from physical activity is just not true. In reality, even a small thing such as poor posture at the computer, when repeated over a long period of time, can result in injury to the muscles of your back.

Muscle spasms will need to be eased if you are having serious back pain. Applying heat, while lying down, is one of the best ways to relax your muscles. Increase fluids and reduce salt while you are experiencing the spasms. Dehydration can actually cause or worsen spasms, so lots of liquids and minimal salt can be beneficial.

Be aware of your sleeping position at night. Although sleeping on the back might not be very comfortable, it’s typically a great method of reducing back pain, especially if you place a heading pad underneath your body. Laying on your stomach will make your back pains worse.

If you are suffering from back pain, one way to make yourself comfortable is to lie down with your knees and hips bent at right angles. Laying in this position will improve comfort, which will decrease back pain more than most positions. Having said this, as long as your spine isn’t twisted, you should lay in the position that is the most comfortable one for you.

Your mattress could help you solve your back pain issues or it can make them worse. The best kind of mattress for a person with spine issues is one that has medium firmness. If your mattress is too soft, it will not give your spine the support that it needs. Your spine needs to be able to flex a bit and stretch out, and a mattress that is too firm won’t allow this. Look for the middle zone in mattresses that is somewhere between decent support and comfort.

These tips have helped many back pain sufferers, and can help you too. Put this information to use to ease your back pain, and enjoy some much-needed relief.