If your back is giving you issues, you don’t need to just live with it. Even if you’ve suffered from chronic back pain most of your life, there are simple, easy ways to help alleviate your aching spine.

Sleep Well – Sound sleep helps to repair overworked muscles and ease inflammation. For an improved night's rest, it’s essential to have a good mattress and also test out various sleeping postures to see what works best for your body. Sleeping on your side is generally recommended for back pain sufferers, and many people like to place a pillow between their knees for additional support.

Move Your Body – When you suffer from back pain, moving often seems like a bad (or at least painful) idea, but gentle exercise is essential to heal and strengthen your muscles. Start with gentle stretches, and then try going for a slow, steady walk. As you stretch and strengthen your muscles, you may very well notice your back pain disappearing!

Pain Killers – For short term relief, over-the-counter pain killers can work wonders.  Look for a NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen. This combined with gentle movement, like a walk, are often thought of as the very best remedies for low back pain.

Heat & Cold – Cold therapy, like an ice pack, works well for inflammation and also reduces swelling. Heat, such as a hot water bottle or heating pad, is best for alleviating muscle spasms and cramping. Experiment with what feels best for your back pain.