There are some things that make people more likely to develop back pain, such as age (back pain becomes more common after 30 or 40), lack of exercise, excess weight, certain diseases (like arthritis or cancer), improper lifting techniques, smoking, a sedentary career, failing to stretch before exercising, poor posture, injury and some psychological conditions.

Contact a doctor if back pain: Causes new bowel or bladder problems, follows a fall, blow or other traumatic injury to your back, is severe and doesn’t improve with rest over the course of several days or weeks, spreads down your back into your legs or buttocks, causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs, is accompanied by abnormal weight loss. You can meet with an online doctor for affordable and efficient back pain treatment without having to leave your house.

Symptoms of back pain may vary depending on whether it’s lower back pain or upper back pain and what condition is causing the pain. Common symptoms include: Dull muscle ache, shooting or stabbing pain, pain that radiates down one leg, pain that improves when sitting or lying down, not being able to stand up straight without pain, a reduced range of motion, pain that worsens with bending, lifting, standing, or walking

Back pain relief often depends on the underlying cause of the back pain. Typical at home treatments may include: Stretching or other prescribed exercises, relaxation techniques, pain relievers, hot and cold packs. Beyond at-home care, chiropractic care, massage, medications, and surgery are common back pain treatments.

The best position to sleep in when dealing with back pain is on your back with a pillow under your knees. If this is not comfortable, you can also sleep on your side, with a pillow between your knees. Avoid sleeping on your stomach.