Should you suffer from upper back pain you might want to consider these simple measures in order to obtain some relief. Please note that prior to embarking on any exercise routine however, you ought to discuss it with your health professional first to ensure that you don't do yourself any additional damage.

Stretching is very important, it is something we usually do involuntarily but it is a good idea to get into a routine where we knowingly stretch the spine to strengthen the back. Try this process several times daily, when you initially wake up, after sitting down for any length of time and before you go to bed. Furthermore, it has a positive effect on stress levels, very often when we are tense and worried we have a tendency to carry it on our upper back so getting into this routine can help alleviate our muscles getting locked up. If you wish to take this even further, yoga and Pilates are disciplines which are based upon elongating the muscles of the body thereby strengthening your back.

Poor posture is a key factor in aggravating back problems, slouching when sitting down will put a strain on your shoulders and neck muscles. If you are female and well endowed ensure that the bra you are wearing is the right size and is giving you the support you need so that the strain is not put on your back making you slump forward. Keep your body weight inside your recommended Body mass index as carting around those extra pounds is difficult work and often will have an effect on your posture. Standing and sitting straight can make you look slimmer and will also strengthen back muscles. Remember to wear comfortable shoes which allow you to walk properly. There are numerous types of footwear that you can buy these days that are designed to enhance natural posture as well as correct any walking imbalance.

Along with our waking hours, we need to think about safeguarding our back and neck when we're asleep. It is important to make sure that the mattress we sleep on is supportive because if it slumps in the middle we will too! Many people recommend memory foam, it feels comfortable and soft yet provides the required support to the spine. Pillows are very important too, memory foam pillows suit some people although personally my own neck felt worse after trying one. No matter which pillow you choose make certain you select a good quality item that will support your neck in comfort. Your sleeping position should really ideally be either lying on your back or your side, lying on your front gives zero support to your spine and turns your head to one side so it's advisable to avoid this.

Making these minor changes can have a beneficial effect on our spinal health so it is well worth incorporating them into our daily lives.