Why does my back ache?

It's estimated that at least 70 percent of people suffer from backaches, either chronic or sporadic back pain. Backache may be caused by a number of factors, which is why it is important that your doctor diagnose your pains for proper treatment.

Preventing and relieving backaches

To prevent or relieve backaches there are a number of healthy lifestyle habits and safe postures you can keep in mind to keep your spine healthy and pain free. It is also advised to exercise regularly to avoid backaches.

Correcting your posture with exercises

Keeping a good posture is the first step to preventing back pain. However, if backaches do appear, there are simple ways to help you relieve them.

Exercising the back

These exercises relieve, prevent and stretch out the back. They are very simple routines that you can do at home to prevent and fight against back pain.

Yoga for a healthy back

For thousands of years, this Asian technique has been used as a way to balance and maintain the health of the spine. Yoga offers simple and effective techniques to tone the back muscles and to increase their flexibility.

Relieving shiatsu

Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese technique, thousands of years old, involving finger pressure applied to the feet and palms of the hands to bring the vital chi energy into harmony. This ancient therapy might help to prevent illnesses and to relieve pains.

Do-in… for a strong back!

Do-in is an ancient technique related to shiatsu “the physiotherapy of contact.” The technique revitalizes and relieves physical and mental tensions with gentle movements. These exercises act on the spinal column, stimulating energy flow and increasing flexibility.

Do-it-yourself express massages

This is a useful guide to simple massages that you can do anywhere and at any time to provide immediate relief for back pains caused by tiredness or daily stress.

The body's back bone on the feet

Reflexology is an ancient healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the body –especially on the hands and feet– that correspond to the body's organs and glands. Stimulating and applying pressure to the feet or hands can affect the health of other parts of the body, and may relieve back pain.

Nature's soothing power

Natural holistic herb treatments might work as remedies for back aches. Essential oils are used topically to relax, relieve tension and improve the overall health.

Diet for a strong back

To prevent and fight backaches it's important to include the necessary nutrients in your daily diet. Many minerals and vitamins not only ensure your overall health, but may help to prevent back trouble.