In 2002 a study showed back pain to be one of the leading reasons that people miss work and visit the clinic. In fact, back pain is the second most common neurological ailment in the United States, next to headaches.

For most people, back pain is a symptom of an injury or other underlying problem related to your spine. The bones, muscles and other soft tissues in the back can all contribute to back pain.

When back pain strikes, it can affect your ability to work, take part in recreational activities, and simply lead a normal lifestyle. Fortunately, back pain does not often signal a very serious condition. In fact, most cases of back pain are short term, lasting anywhere from a several days to a few weeks. There are also a number of treatment methods and remedies available, although there is no definitive method that will bring relief to every individual.

If you are prone to episodes of back pain, you should try to avoid certain activities, such as heavy lifting. Should back pain hit you hard, there are some things that you can do to bring relief:

Rest and Relaxation

Lying on the floor is the best way to find relief when your back is injured and you are in pain. Lie on your back with your hips and knees slightly bent. Place pillows under your knees for support. This position can help by taking the weight and pressure off of your back. If this doesn't help, try lying on your back with your feet propped up on a chair. With your back flat against the floor, and a pillow under your head, bend your knees so that the backs of your lower legs are resting on a pillow placed on top of a chair.

By resting your back, it is possible to achieve pain relief after just a day or two. See a doctor if the pain does not stop. If you rest in this manner for more than two days, you muscles can weaken and your recovery period will be extended.

Feel the Heat

Mother always knew it, yet researchers can't prove it; still, many people swear by the power of heat for relieving back pain. Despite the lack of medical proof, a simple heating pad can deliver a relaxing effect for muscle spasms, which are leading contributors to back pain.

The best way to relieve back pain with a heating pad is to leave the pad in place for 20 to 30 minutes on the painful section of your back. Some people also use ice packs in this same manner. Following a hot or cold pack treatment with massage can be especially soothing.

Medications

When you want fast-acting back pain relief, you can try one of many medications. Drugstores, supermarkets, department stores and well-stocked corner stores carry non-prescription medications to bring relief for your pain and reduce swelling. Some of the more common over-the-counter remedies are aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ketoprofen (Orudis), naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Motrin).

If you are one of the millions of people who miss work and play due to back pain, you need to take your life back. Try one of these methods of relieving back pain, or speak with your doctor about other treatment options.