The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons past studies and research says that 80% of all Americans will experience some sort of back pain during the course of their lives. That's a lot of back pain to encounter, when such a large amount of the American population will deal with back pain during their lifetime.

The traditional treatment for lower back pain is to increase the core strength in order to increase flexibility on tight muscles. This is intended to stabilize the spinal area better and to make corrections to the imbalances of the muscles. The muscles that surround the spine will then provide stability and better support of the spinal column, lessening back pain.

All of the muscles that are between the hips and shoulders are known as the core muscles. Sometimes back pain can be a result of the imbalances of muscles from any of these core muscles. For example, if the front of your thighs are stronger than the back of your thighs, it will cause an uneven pull on the front of your spine, causing pain.

One effective way to integrate core strength training exercises into all of the exercises you do is to breathe effectively. Instead of just doing the traditional crunches and sit ups, incorporating deep breathing into your exercise routine will utilize your diaphragm muscles that support the spinal column. It will also help lengthen the spine, great for your lower back, and support you when you run or walk.

Two exercises that will help reduce back pain are the Tummy Tuck and the Bridge Lift.

The Tummy Tuck is a simple pelvic move that brings the abdominal muscles up and away from the floor. To do this exercise, lie face down on the floor and squeeze your buttocks. This will help strengthen your spine. Reach your tail bone down towards your heels. Complete 15 repetitions of this exercise.

The Bridge Lift exercise is done by placing your feet on a bench or on the floor and scooping your pelvis in an upward motion. Your ribs should stay lower as to reduce pull on your spinal muscles. The bridge lift exercise is to help reduce stress on the back.

Three other exercises that can help alleviate lower back pain are Calf Stretches, Hip Flexor Stretches, and the Lumbar Side Stretch. These will reduce the pull on your spinal column.

The Lumbar Side Stretch is done while sitting or standing and will bring your legs wide with the knees bent. Put one hand behind your head and bring the other hand down towards your feet on the inner side of the thighs.

The Hip Flexor Stretch is performed by bringing one foot forward in a 90 degree bent knee angle, while your other leg is on the floor behind you with your foot pointed upwards. This exercise helps the muscles on the side of the spine near the hips. While doing this exercise you can squeeze your buttocks to help deepen the stretch. You should feel a stretching sensation in the back leg, the front thigh, and the hamstrings of the front leg.

The Calf Stretch is intended to help strengthen the Achilles tendon. Place an object under your foot and lean the weight of your body in a forward direction. Hold these stretches for 30 seconds and release. You will begin to feel a stretch on the back on the knee and shin area.

Each of these exercises is intended to help reduce lower back pain. Exercising on a regular basis, and taking care of your back, will help eliminate lower back pain, and give you a healthier back.