From the time man began to walk upright, back pain began to rear its ugly head, so to speak. The spinal column began to take stresses and strains that it wasn't really designed to cope with. Today, more than ever, we are experiencing the debilitating results of this basic truth.

No matter where the centre of back pain exists, it is caused by a multitude of malfunctions and reasons. Indeed, even if you feel discomfort in a certain area of your spine, the problem may not be in that particular spot, this is generally termed - referred pain. Furthermore, medical science has discovered that psychosomatic problems (mind affecting body) can also cause back and neck pain due to nerves being compressed by the tightening of neck and shoulder muscles. Chronic stress is one of the most common causes of pain in these regions. It will be readily appreciated; therefore, that effective treatment relies in treating the psychological problem, not the area where the pain is felt, although massage and manipulation may provide temporary relief.

According to statistics, lifting heavy objects is the main cause of acute and chronic back pain. The disc or discs between the vertebrae are compressed to the point where the fluid within the disc leaks out and forms into a hard, calcium like deposit that can press on the nerves within the spinal column - a simple, non-technical explanation that gives you a rough idea of the damage that causes the pain. Obviously, if weighty objects are being lifted on a regular basis, a chronic and painful back problem is only just around the corner, unless you learn to lift objects properly.

Nowadays, health and safety regulations in a number of industrialised countries have gone a long way to eradicating the cause of spinal damage. However, the regulations do not cover injuries to people in their homes or gardens. In fact, do-it-yourself work is responsible for many back problems, according to statistics. .

Quite often, pain around the lumbar (lower) region of the spine is not due to a spinal complaint but muscle spasm that has a number of causes - old age, fatigue, jogging, cold, wear and tear, certain contact sports, weightlifting, horse riding, gardening, and many more!

Nowadays, with the advancement of medical science, there are many techniques and remedies available to treat back pain, both allopathic and complimentary. Believe it or not, diet also plays an important part in helping to avoid and alleviate back problems. Exercise too, either mild or more active, is essential for toning up the muscles and spine. Cycling and swimming are ideal, but I would caution against jogging, which tends to jar on the spine, especially when running on a hard surface.

If you are over fifty, say, it is better to exercise every other day as this allows time for the muscles to rest and recuperate after each session. Start gradually and steadily work your way up. Never, never overdo exercising to the point of fatigue, this is counter-productive and can do more harm than good.

Hot baths or fomentations can be helpful in relieving back pain, especially when an appropriate essential oil such as eucalyptus or other 'hottish' oil is added, a few drops of oil is all that is required. However, the bathwater should not be too hot to avoid fatigue. Lavender and/or geranium added to the water are relaxing and skin toning. An electric blanket, or heat pad is ideal for treating muscle pain or mild back injury. Ice packs are also indispensable when applied to the affected area. There is also a wide range of analgesic preparations that help deaden or diminish pain. Modern-day pain killing medicaments are another part of our pain-killing armoury. However, it is wise not to take these for any length of time unless under doctor's advice

If the cause of your pain has been professionally diagnosed and resultant treatment has had little or no effect, there are many manuals available to download from the internet which may provide you with a positive answer to your problem and, maybe, save you days and hours of pain, they are certainly worth a try when all else has failed - even before.