Once an injury to the spine has occurred, regular, often persistent back pain can follow; some medications can provide back pain relief in the short term, although none currently exist that remove pain completely. While there are a host of prescription medications that help with pain relief, many are doing nothing more than masking the symptoms instead of tackling the underlying cause of the pain. Long term medication of pain killers is something that should be supervised as other problems can occur because of their continued use.

The problem with the back is although it is strong, at the same time it is easily damaged; large numbers of people have caused permanent damage to their backs just by sitting poorly for long periods. The most common way to injure your back though is by lifting badly, it is usually recognized immediately by a sharp pain at the base of the spine. More recently people are willing to try natural back pain relief treatments to stop their reliance on other types of medication.

One of the simplest but also underused remedies is just the act of stretching which can bring relief to tense muscles as well. Massaging the feet in certain areas (reflexology) can bring relief in a number of conditions; some are finding relief using this treatment for back pain and other conditions. Reflexology can also help to improve the body's blood circulation and relax muscles.

Acupuncture on the other hand has been used in China since before the birth of Christ and has had considerable success in helping sufferers. It is providing back pain relief even though this is something that has only recently being used in the Western world. The Chinese believe all humans have an energy force that flows through us called qi which is affected by our health. Chi is blocked in a sick body but needles inserted into specific points, ease many types of pain and the flow of energy. Whilst acupuncture is used for many conditions, it is frequently used for pain relief and many people claim to have excellent results from using it.

Relief can also come from another Chinese treatment like tai chi which is a form of yoga but not so strenuous. Tai Chi focuses on breathing techniques and is a great way to relax your back. Whilst it involves some stretching and breathing exercises it is not too strenuous which means that anyone, young or old can take part in Tai Chi. Natural back pain relief should really start with more frequent exercise; by exercising regularly there is less chance of a back pain attack.

Exercise seems to be the best way to treat back pain. While acupuncture, Tai Chi, and Yoga are great ways to work on pain, they can often be expensive and sometimes hard to find. In the age of the Internet there are plenty of opportunities to find affordable and easily accessible work outs. One program "The Guide to Back Pain Relief" by Mike Stiveson is a work out the implements exercise to target injured muscles. Also remember when seeking treatment to see a doctor. Sometimes pain is a more serious symptom of a worse problem.