Oh My Aching Back: Tips to Help Alleviate Back Pain

Surveys conducted in the U.S. suggest that 80% of Americans have suffered some kind of back pain at one time or another. But it's not just the United States where we having aching backs. It's estimated that 7 out of 10 people world-wide will have back pain at some point in their lives. It can be blamed on a number of things from being too sedentary, working at a computer all day, to poor lifting habits. Whatever the cause, there are some simple techniques you can use to help ease your back pain.

Stretching
Stretching is not only great for your body, it makes you feel great too. Here are two yoga poses that are very good for easing and preventing back pain. See images by clicking the following links or in the resources area.

Wind Removing Pose (Pavanamuktasana)
http://www.bikram-yoga-noosa-australia.com/Images/Postures1/Medium/14pavanamuktasana2m.jpg

Cobra Pose
http://bikramyoga.com/Yoga/CynthiaWehr16.jpg

Natural remedies and vitamins
Use can use an OTC capsaicin cream like Aspercream. These work real well for mild to moderate pain. If you are allergic to capsaicin, an ingredient found in chile peppers, it's suggested you not use these types of creams.
Fish oil
Fish oil is shown to reduce inflammation which is a major cause of back and joint pain. The omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil has helped 60% of people who take it daily for 3 months.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Low calcium and vitamin D levels have been linked to almost all back pain. This is not the case of a back injury, but general back pain.
Drink water daily. The body needs to be well hydrated to function properly and it helps keep your joints lubricated.

Break some bad back habits
Sleeping with a pillow under your knees or between your knees can help take the strain off your lower back. If you like to sleep on your stomach, place a small pillow under your tummy to take the arch out of your back.
Get a lighter purse. You do not need a big heavy purse thrown over your shoulder every day. Even carrying a smaller purse can cause your back to get out of whack so switch sides often.
Practice good posture. Your mom told you this while you were growing up but you didn't see the importance of it. Now that you've gotten older you're starting to realize how right she was. Practice good posture while sitting, standing and walking. If you sit in front of a computer screen all day, try lowering your seat so the top of the monitor is level with your eyebrows. This takes strain off your neck and shoulders.

Practicing these tips can help to alleviate much of your daily back pain.

IMAGE SOURCES:
http://www.bikram-yoga-noosa-australia.com/Images/Postures1/Medium/14pavanamuktasana2m.jpg
http://bikramyoga.com/Yoga/CynthiaWehr16.jpg