15 Ways to Prevent and Relieve Back Pain

Whether your back pain is excruciating or merely annoying, you probably won't feel like doing much. But don't take it easy for more than a day or two. Doing so can prolong and worsen pain. Instead, take a prescription or over-the-counter pain reliever (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) and start moving, says Daniel J. Mazanec, M.D., associate director of the Center for Spine Health at the Cleveland Clinic. "Low-impact activities, like walking or swimming, boost blood flow to your back muscles and help loosen them up."