Back pain can affect your upper, middle or lower back. Upper back pain is generally caused by irritation, such as a pulled muscle or joint ailment or the constant forward pull that large breasted women experience. Middle back pain is usually caused by pulled muscles, poor posture, obesity, age, and arthritis. Lower back pain is the most common and the causes can be as simple as a strained muscle to serious conditions such as a herniated disc, sciatica or stenosis.

Back pain caused by pregnancy affects many women. Your doctor can give you a list of exercises to reduce and manage the back pain pregnancy brings. Relief from pregnancy derived back pain can also be alleviated through chiropractic methods. Though not all chiropractors are familiar with the techniques that will help the soon-to-be-mom, some chiropractors specialize in treating pregnant women.

One of the best ways to find relief with lower and middle back pain is to stretch out on the floor with your legs bent. Put a pillow under your head and knees. You might find that placing your lower legs and feet on a chair while lying on the floor is even more comfortable. This position stretches out your spine while relieving pressure and weight from your back.

Treating back pain can be difficult if the cause of the pain is unknown. Taking a day off to rest your back can be good, but being up and moving around is better for you. Cold packs, hot packs, stretching, over the counter pain relievers, physical therapy and exercise are beneficial measures for you to take.

If your back pain doesn't respond to self-help treatments, or returns, or if the pain is acute, see your doctor. Your doctor may need to run tests such as an MRI or CT scan after reviewing your medical history and performing a physical examination.