My back has been stiff and achy in the morning lately, and it’s just plain uncomfortable when I’m out and about trying to get things done.

As most of us unfortunately know, few conditions can be more trouble than persistent back pain. So try one or more of these simple strategies to get your back healthy in a hurry:

1. Get up and moving as soon as you can to increase circulation and bring healing nutrients to damaged muscles. Lying in bed can make your suffering muscles weaker and tighter.

2. As soon as your back starts hurting, apply a cold pack to your sore muscles. Cool the area for about 20 minutes every few hours for at least a day after the pain starts.

3. Find at least one position, and possibly more than one, that puts the least strain on your overworked muscles. The less strain you put on your back muscles, the more quickly the injury will heal.

4. Wear shoes that have plenty of cushioning. Cross-training or walking shoes are just what the doctor ordered.

5. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and similar drugs often work as well as prescription drugs for back pain. They work directly on pain, and they have anti-inflammatory effects, which reduce painful swelling.

Whether it’s a bad back, a stiff knee, or a queasy stomach that’s keeping you from enjoying your celebration, you’ll find hundreds of stop-suffering solutions in my Anti-Pain Plan book—and you can try it FREE for 21 days!