Back pain and its demise
 

In the past, I've participated in team sports and cross-trained regularly. I still occasionally take part in some physical activity (skiing, sailing) but definitely not as often as I'd like nor as often as is good for me. As a result, my back muscles have weakened significantly causing plenty of discomfort and even severe pain. This is something I'd like to prevent with some fitness (go me).

1. Does anyone know back-strengthening exercises, especially for the lower back?
2. Are there methods of easing back pain aside from medication, and which do you find work best?

Get a gym ball, one of those vinyl balls, and a video on how to use it. These things are great around the house. A few minutes of exercise with this does wonders for keeping your "core" in shape and streatching as well as strengthening the intrinsic muscles that affect balance. I love mine. Back pain=history.

tight hamstrings can also cause lower back pain, because of their pull on the pelvis. try stretching those, it could help.

As Ratman had stated, a Swiss Ball can do wonders. If you'ld rather not get one, try Superman's.
Another exercise that I work in occasionally is the woodchop to help strengthen the core (resulting in more back support).

I'd go with supermans. Also, ab workouts are supposed to help your back out a lot as well.

A lot of back pain is from poor alignment and spinal issues. I LOVE my chiropractor. Some days, she's the only thing keeping me vertical!

Without knowing what the problem is with your back - it's difficult to recommend exercises . But <b>Phaenx</b> is right - the abs help support the back. Just make sure you do crunches with your knees bent. Don't ever attempt the straight-legs-somebody-hold-my-ankle type of sit-ups!

And although it works for <b>Ratbastid</b> (and others), I would NOT recommend seeing a chiropractor - if you want help, see a doctor, especially a D.O., as opposed to an M.D. Doctors of Osteopathy specialize in the mechanical functions of the body - and they went to Medical School.