Back pain is a distraction that a vast majority of people will suffer from at some point in their lives. It can present itself sporadically or it can be a chronic problem. Treating back pain may require doctor; however, before you see a specialist, you should try certain over-the-counter medicines, the right stretches and exercises, and basic alterations to your daily routine. 

Know when to seek help. Seek professional help from your doctor immediately if you feel any numbness or-tingling in your groin or legs, if you lose control of your bladder or bowels,or if your walk is affected.

You should also see your doctor if you are unsure of the cause of your back pain or if it is getting worse. You will need further evaluation if you develop a fever or any new symptoms.

Visit a doctor. Schedule an appointment. Be able to describe the exact nature of your back pain, how frequently your back hurts, what activities have become unbearable due to back pain, and any additional information that your physician might find useful.Your doctor will prescribe NSAIDs for general back pain, but can prescribe stronger medications if the pain becomes unbearable.

Consider a steroid injection. Depending on the severity of the back pain, a doctor may suggest a steroid injection. Some people get relief for months or years when a steroid is injected into areas of the spine that suffer from extreme inflammation.

See a chiropractor. Chiropractic professionals are dedicated to the non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Generally, they focus on your spine and the surrounding areas.Chiropractors use manual (hands-on) treatment to focus on lower back pain and herniated disc issues. 

Go to a physical therapist. This trained professional will prescribe necessary exercises much like a doctor prescribes medication. Physical therapists will teach you how to stretch and strengthen your back muscles. They'll also help you prevent unnecessary strain.

Egoscue practitioners specialize in posture therapy. He'll focus on your back pain and identify any posture problems you may be having. He'll examine the way you walk, sit, and sleep. Afterwards, he'll outline a series of exercises that will help reduce pressure and tension in your back.

Get a massage. The two best massages for lower back pain specifically are a quadrature lumborum(QL) muscle massage and a glutenous mediums massage.

The QL massage focuses on the connection between your ribs and your pelvis - an area that is normally a source of lower back pain. This area becomes strained when your lower back remains mobile while your upper body sits still or when you sit slumped in a chair. Your therapist can stretch and massage this area with a QL massage.

The gluteus medius massage works wonders in tandem with the QL massage. When the area between your ribs and pelvis becomes strained, it immediately causes strain in your upper buttocks region as well.

See an acupuncturist. A practitioner will insert thin needles into precise points throughout your body. Most acupuncturists argue that their needles stimulate the production of endorphins, serotonin, and oxyacetylene. These are powerful painkilling chemicals naturally produced in your body. While the medical community is still out on the exact scientific effects of acupuncture, on-going clinical trials are hopeful. Certainly, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence(by patients) to support acupuncture's effectiveness.