Back pain, whether related to low back, middle back or upper back, is generally treated with back pain exercises. It has been found that the main cause of back pain is overuse of the muscles either due to overexertion or overuse of muscles that have suffered disuse over a period of time. Modern living conditions and the technological era confine people to their workstations for long periods without a break. In addition, sedentary life styles cause disuse of sets of muscles due to limited movement. Moreover, stressful lifestyles result in tension that can cause muscle strains due to constant anxiety. Yet another factor is lack of exercise and poor posture that puts unnecessary pressure on parts of the back leading to back pain.

Back pain exercises help relieve back pain and strengthen the back. A strong and well toned back requires strengthening the core. The core consists of the muscles of the spinal system, the back, and the abdomen. Core strengthening exercises will work the muscles of the back and tone them. Core strengthening exercises will also improve posture and balance and alignment of the spinal structure, thus helping to retain spinal health.

Yoga exercises are favored for strengthening the core. The poses or asana as they are called, demand the adoption of certain positions and holding them for a period that will strengthen the muscles used for adopting the position. Holding the position for a count ensures that the muscles are being stretched and aligned and also conditioned to prevent disuse.

Yoga exercises include stretches. The stretches have been adopted from nature by observing living beings, especially animals. The cat stretch is one such exercise. To perform this exercise you need to be on all fours and alternately arch the back upwards, straighten and do a reverse arch. The snake pose and the cow pose are just some of the exercises that will strengthen the back.

Low impact aerobic exercises like walking, cycling and swimming all exercise various muscle sets in the body and are vital for strengthening the back and abdominal muscles. In addition, they provide a cardio- vascular benefit too.

Stretching exercises performed using exercise balls are also effective as back pain exercises. Sit ups performed using the ball reduce pressure on the back while providing beneficial effects in muscle strengthening.

A well balanced exercise routine is of utmost importance if you want to prevent or cure back pain that is a result of weak muscles, and sedentary life style. The routine must include warming up, stretching, and aerobic workout, some weight bearing exercises, floor work or strengthening exercises and stretching again before cooling down.