We are constantly using our back muscles in most of our normal daily activities like sitting, walking, bending or lifting things. This puts tremendous pressure on the spine. Lifting something which is too heavy, bending down in an improper way, suddenly turning one’s head – anything can cause a sprain in the back muscles and cause back pain.
Almost all of us have experienced back pain at least once in our lives. Next to the common cold, back pain is the most common ailment. Its occurrence often increases with age, as bones, muscles and joints become weaker.



Causes of back pain: Back pain can be caused by various factors such as:
•Bad posture and alignment.
•Weak back muscles, caused by a sedentary life with no exercise.
•Tension and lack of proper sleep.
•A herniated disc.
•Osteoarthritis or decreasing bone density, which usually occurs in those over age 65.
•Spondylosis (spondilitis) caused by the loss of moisture in the space between the inter-vertebral discs.
•Tumors or cancer in the spinal region.
•A muscle or ligament sprain in the lower back (lumbago)
•Sciatica
•Sometimes, an infection in some other organ such as the kidneys can also cause back pain.
•Injury, either by an accident or fall.
•Irregular periods or PMS.

Treatment for back pain: If your back pain is very severe, or if it becomes chronic, that is, it persists for more than 3 months, you should consult a doctor. A doctor will probably conduct tests like X-rays and scans to rule out all other possibilities.

Treatment will then include:
•Medication to stop the inflammation or reduce pain.
•Therapy to strengthen the area.
•Surgery may be resorted to in the most extreme cases.

How to get back pain relief: Most back pains are usually caused by a simple sprain, and you can get relief by a few home methods such as a painkillers, a hot water bottle, and a few stretching exercises.

Yoga for back pain relief: The exercises of yoga stretch and strengthen the muscles of the spine and abdomen. They also improve posture and help to release tension from the body. All this makes it an effective tool to avoid or give relief from back pain.

Yoga poses for back pain relief:
•Cat Pose (Bidalasana)
•Locust Pose (Salabhasana)
•Fish Pose (Matsyasana)
•Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
•Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)
•Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
•Downward Facing Dog Pose (Adho Mukho Svansana)
•Corpse Pose (Savasana)

How to prevent back pain: Taking care of a few daily activities and situations will help you to keep back pain away.
•Regular exercise such as walking, swimming, cycling or sports. Yoga is particularly beneficial, since it promotes better alignment of the spine.
•Getting a firm bed.
•Getting proper sleep.