1. Sit up
The computer age means many of us slump for hours at work and then slump driving home. Keep your spine long: imagine there's a thread pulling the crown of your head up and lengthening that backbone.
2. Vital vitamins
Two independent research trials in the US found common kinds of back pain can be staved off via supplementation of the B-complex vitamins. Take a balanced B-complex supplement that gives you 50mg each of vitamins B1 and B6 per day.
3. Get horizontal
During sleep our backs release the stress accumulated during the day, and the force our bodyweight places on the spine is greatly reduced. However, this won't happen if your bed is over eight years old. A firm, new mattress should do the trick.
4. Glucosamine sulphate
Many an aging exerciser swears by supplement s of Glucosamine Sulphate, one of the building blocks of joint cartilage. Studies suggest that arthritis-based back pain can be lessened as much by Glucosamine sulphate as by prescription drugs, and it works well combined with Chondroitin.
5. A firm core
The muscles girdling the lowers spine are recruited for almost every physical activity you can imagine, and if they're weak, your posture weakens and back pain is a sure bet. Pilates, Alexander Technique and Gyrotonics, all address this issue.6. Devil's Claw
Clinical trials in Germany have shown supplements of the herb Devil's Claw are effective in relieving lower back pain. Nutritionists at Reading University in the UK have also been singing the praises of the unfortunately names supplement.
7. Get soft
Soft, or internal, martial arts - tai chi, chi gung, ba gua and aikido - require the subtle harnessing of one's 'chi power', rather than the more strength based, hard, external arts such as karate. Soft martial artists often speak of experiencing gentle spinal massage during the various practise sequences.8. White Willow Bark
Clinical studies suggest that White Willow Bark, known as ' Nature's aspirin', is good for relieving back pain symptoms, with none of the stomach problems that can accompany real aspirin.
9. Get coordinated
University of Copenhagen researchers gave a strengthening programme to a group of back pain sufferers, and a coordination workout to another. Both group's pain diminished, which suggests being well balanced and coordinated is as important as strength.
10. Pineapple extract
Research done at Reading University in the UK shows the active compounds in Pineapple Bromelain have strong anti-inflammatory and painkilling properties and can offer relief from back pain symptoms.
Remember, if you are unsure about anything mentioned above, always seek appropriate advice or talk to you doctor!