When you suffer from mid back pain, each moment can feel like an eternity.  Research into this problem is ongoing but so far only short term back relief remedies are available. Whilst prescription pain relief pills may in fact dull the pain to a manageable degree, they do not treat the root cause of the problem.

Medication should be used sparingly and under the strict supervision of a medical professional. It is not difficult to injure your back, especially if you are a manual worker but long term problems can also be the result of poor body posture or from an accident.

It can also be caused if you are lifting heavy loads and usually characterized by a sharp pain to your lower back. However, a number of mid back pain relief treatments can be used without the need for drugs. Stretching can be effective at reducing back as it relaxes the muscles which are often tense.

Some people are now discovering the benefits of reflexology. Massaging the feet in certain areas brings relief to a number of mid back pain sufferers. Relaxing muscles and increasing the effectiveness of the circulatory system are two other reasons to use reflexology.

The Chinese medical art of acupuncture can also be used to help bring mid back pain relief, something which has only been recognized a short while in the West. If you follow Traditional Chinese medicine, then you will know that they believe all people have a unique energy force running through their body called qi or chi. Chi is blocked energy in a sick body and needles inserted into specific points are reported to ease many types of pain. Like reflexology, acupuncture seems to be used by people who suffer with chronic conditions like mid back pain.

Relief can also come from another Chinese treatment like tai chi which is a form of yoga but not so strenuous. This method uses breathing control as the main source of relief with some stretching involved. It is so easy to learn by the young and old alike.

It would be a shame not to finish by remembering that exercise can provide mid back pain relief and that regular exercise is also one of the best preventative medicines available.

There are several exercises for lower back pain which are simple and can easily be done at home.  These exercises can be performed even without a therapist to assist you with the execution.  They are effective in relieving lower back pain and in correcting posture through strengthening of those weak muscle groups.

One of the exercises for lower back pain which is commonly done to strengthen the abdominals is the Pelvic Tilt. This exercise is done while lying on your back with both knees flexed. Feet should be flat on the floor. The upper back should be kept relaxed against the floor.

With this position, slowly press lower back against the floor. By doing this, you will feel your abdominal muscles tightening. Hold this position for 10 to 15 seconds and repeat the same procedure for 7 to 10 times. You can perform several exercises from this basic position.

The Curl Up is also one of the effective exercises for lower back pain. This exercise is also done while on your back.  First, perform the pelvic tilt and hold this position. This is the starting position for the curl up.

Then, tuck your chin and slowly lift your shoulders off the floor in a curl up position.  Keep feet against the floor.  Hold this position for 10 to 15 seconds and make about 7 to 10 repetitions.  Roll back to the starting position slowly.  Maintain abdominal muscles tucked in while doing this exercise.

Another exercise is the Curl Up with Rotation. This exercise consists of a curl up followed by twisting the body towards one side and holding the position for 10 to 15 seconds. Then, slowly roll back down on the floor and do the curl up again this time twisting towards the other side.

Hold the position for another 10 to 15 seconds before rolling back down on the floor.  Repeat this steps 7 to 10 times.  Remember to maintain the pelvic tilt while doing this exercise.

The Lower Back Stretch Exercise is the last exercise and it consists of a pelvic tilt followed by abdominal contraction. This is done by first doing the pelvic tilt and then holding the position.

Using the abdominal muscles, draw the knees towards the chest while wrapping arms under the knees. The head should be kept on the floor. Hold the position for 20 to 30 seconds, feeling the tension along the lower back and repeat 3 to 4 times.

Performing these exercises can lead to better posture and relief from pain along low back area. These exercises for lower back pain are also effective in strengthening the abdominals and stretching the lower back muscles.