Severe back pain can be debilitating and affect daily activities. Here are some tips to relieve back pain:

1. Improve posture: Poor posture can make back pain worse, especially if you sit for long periods. Sit upright, with your shoulders relaxed and your body supported against the back of your chair. Try putting a pillow or a rolled towel between your lower back and your seat. Keep your feet flat on the floor.

2. Sleep position: When you have back pain, sleeping can be hard. Try lying on your side. Place a pillow between your knees to keep your spine in a neutral position and relieve strain on your back. If you need to sleep on your back, slide a pillow under your knees. Be sure to sleep on a comfortably firm mattress.

3. Over-the-counter pain relievers: There are two kinds of over-the-counter pain relievers that frequently help with back pain: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen. Both have some side effects, and some people may not be able to take them. Talk to your doctor before taking pain relievers. And dont expect medication alone to solve your pain problem. Studies show youll probably need more than one type of treatment.

4. Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach exercises to do on your own to keep your symptoms from coming back. These can help your posture and keep your back and abdominal muscles (your core) healthy. With techniques like electrical stimulation, ultrasound, heat, and muscle relaxation, these specialists help you get more mobile and flexible.

5. Manipulation or massage: Manipulation is when physical therapists or other health professionals, like chiropractors, use different techniques to move your spine through its full range of movement. Studies show that if you’ve had back pain for more than a month, this can be a safe and effective treatment. But you may need several sessions. Massage may provide relief, too.

6. Prescription-strength medication: Some people may need prescription-strength NSAIDs or opioid medications to help with pain. It is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medications -- including over-the-counter medicines -- to avoid overdosing on certain.

7. Seek medical attention: If you have severe back pain that is coupled with pain in other areas, such as shooting pain down your leg, then you should see a doctor. Sudden or severe back pain should be checked by a doctor or a physical therapist. If the source of the pain is not known or can’t be treated, your best option may be to work with your doctor on reducing the flare-ups and making the pain manageable with nonsurgical treatments.