Back pain is suffered by many millions of people who find no long term relief from this complaint; for most people, their only concern is to receive back pain relief medication to dull the pain. The problem with pain relief  medication  is that it doesn't help the cause of the problem, just merely makes it a little more bearable. Any type of medication should only be used with the supervision of a doctor but especially when it is taken on a regular basis. Back pain is often caused by muscle strain and repeated strenuous exercises; large numbers of people have caused permanent damage to their backs just by sitting poorly for long periods. Of course the most common way to injure your spine is by lifting heavy weights or lifting them incorrectly. However, a number of back pain relief treatments can be used without the need for drugs. Stretching can be effective at reducing back as it relaxes the muscles which are often tense. Reflexology, an ancient type of alternative medical treatment, uses the concept that areas of the body have corresponding regions on the feet that can benefit from massage; it works very well in relieving back pain. Often to compensate for our pain, the back muscles over compensate. Reflexology can help provide relief by improving the circulation which in turn relaxes these hard worked muscles.Acupuncture on the other hand has been used in China since before the birth of Christ and has had considerable success in helping sufferers. It is providing back pain relief even though this is something that has only recently being used in the Western world. Followers of traditional Chinese medicine are of the belief that every person has an inner energy force (chi) that reflects of our state of health, mental and physical. Chi is blocked in a sick body but needles inserted into specific points, ease many types of pain and the flow of energy. Whilst acupuncture is used for many conditions, it is frequently used for pain relief and many people claim to have excellent results from using it.Relief can also come from another Chinese treatment like tai chi which is a form of yoga but not so strenuous. It focuses on breath control and is very relaxing owing to its gentle nature. It is possible for anyone to participate irrespective of age. A good preventative form of back pain relief is to actually exercise more regularly; it would be a shame to forget the benefits that exercise can provide generally.