About 80 percent of Americans suffer from significant back pain at some point in their lives. Pain killers and surgery can stop the pain, but sometimes there are better options. Low-back pain is a leading cause of disability in this country. But by using special exercises to strengthen core muscles and improve flexibility of the spine, most patients with low-back pain will never need an operation.

Although surgery is the top choice or the only option for a high rate of back pain relief, it can be avoided. Research in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed surgery for lower-back pain helps patients get better faster, but the long-term results are no different than using pain medication along with exercise.

Stretching is one of the simplest yet important thing for back pain relief. To have your muscles properly stretched and warmed up can ,make it more capable of dealing with daily activities, thus avoiding back pain. This can also increase chances of recovery.

Acupuncture can also provide back pain relief. It has been known and accepted for its many health benefits. Prevention has always been the best choice for a cure, that is why earlier on people should know more about how to avoid back pain and how to relieve it to prevent unnecessary surgery and expenses.