More efficient back pain relief may require the combination of over the counter remedies and prescription drugs. Although the effects of using hot and cold compresses are not yet scientifically established, they are known to allow back pain relief for many cases and may even result to reduced inflammation and pain. Unlike with acute ailments and disease, chronic lower back pain is generally not associated with the height of damage accumulated. A large herniated disc may be relatively painless whereas muscle spasm due to back strain can be a reason for excruciating back pain. The sponsors for lower back pain may be extremely complex. For the more common lower back pain, treatment may start with the following routines: Rest It is important to rest the spine when beginning the treatment yet it is equally important to note that rest must only comprise of a day or two. Other than this, resting may be more damaging than good as too much rest may lessen muscle strength. But with some basic knowledge on how the body system works, it may well be easier to observe which muscles are better used than others and where does the body typically hurts. Or you may choose to use other methods other than focusing on the imbalances of the muscles without going too far from exercising. The reason why people have differing opinions on middle back pain is because most are only considered as referred pains. The pain that the sufferer feels is much different in location than that of the actual location. You and your doctor may never find the real cause of middle back pain if you look for them in the middle back. With this, not only the overall posture is severely affected but also the state of each component, especially the framework. With improper posture often arises the problem of herniated or degenerated discs. Some may also experience displaced discs. With this, pressure may be put on the nerve roots since bulging may occur.