When back pain strikes, it can leave you unable to do simple things such as play with your children, tie your own shoes, or even stand up straight. Thankfully, if you take steps to care for your spine, you won't have to suffer from recurring back pain any longer.

Visit a Chiropractor for Existing Back Pain

Chiropractors have a number of tricks to treat the underlying causes of back pain without the use of drugs. Some of these methods include massage, water therapy, acupuncture, decompression therapy, and spine manipulation. But quality chiropractors won't just treat your back pain, they'll offer education on the many lifestyle changes you can make to keep your back pain from coming back.

Do Core Strengthening Exercises

There are several major muscles in your core that work in unison to stabilize the torso. When these muscles are weak, it makes you vulnerable to bulging discs, strains, and sprains. So if you suffer from pain in the back, regular exercise will strengthen the muscles that the spine needs to give it support.

Yoga poses are excellent for activating the muscles in the midsection and back. Some types of core strengthening exercise such as sit-ups can worsen preexisting back pain; so before you start an exercise routine, consult with your doctor to determine what types of exercises are suitable for your situation.

Lose Weight

The spine endures an enormous amount of wear and tear on a daily basis. And excess weight only adds to the strain on your back. If you are even mildly overweight, it puts unnecessary pressure on your spine, and makes you more vulnerable to chronic back pain. Simple lifestyle changes such as eating a sensible diet and exercising can help you lose weight and relieve pressure on the spine.

Practice Good Posture

Proper posture is not just important when you sit, but also when you're standing and sleeping. Good posture keeps the spine properly aligned, and distributes weight evenly throughout the torso. Here are some tips to maintain good posture throughout the day.

" When you sleep on your back, put a pillow under your knees to ease pressure on your lower back. To keep the spine properly aligned when snoozing on your side, place a pillow between your knees. And avoid sleeping on your stomach; this puts the spine in an awkward position and increases the risk of back strain.

" Stand with your spine straight, knees slightly bent, feet apart (slightly less than shoulder-width), and your head centered above the shoulders. If you're standing for long periods of time, shift your weight periodically to reduce strain on the back.

" When you are at your desk, sit with your shoulders straight, bum touching the back of the chair, and your feet flat on the floor. If your feet don't reach the floor, use a footrest. Adjust your chair so that your workstation is elbow-height. Get up and move around every 30 minutes to keep your back from getting stiff.

Strengthening your back, practicing proper posture, dropping a few pounds, and getting treatment for existing back problems can arm you against future bouts of debilitating back pain.