Think about your spine for a moment.

It holds you up and provides a framework for your muscles. It also houses your spinal cord, which encases the nerves that travel from your entire body to your brain.

When your spine isn’t properly aligned, flexible and free moving, the inevitable result is pain. From a mild nagging to sharp yelp-inducing jabs.

Not surprisingly, the simplest way to improve or maintain your spinal health is to regularly move it in all planes - forward, backward and side to side.

Activating your spine doesn’t need to take a lot of time, and it isn’t difficult or tiring.

Sprinkle some simple stretches throughout your day, or try them after your morning shower since the hot water helps make muscles more supple.

Click here for some classic back stretches that are easy to master.

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If you suffer from back pain, you’ll appreciate this informative and entertaining article from The Guardian called ”Pilates-Changed-My-Life Stories Are Annoying…But It Did.”

(Pilates is known for helping people develop strength and flexibility. It also helped cure the article’s author of debilitating back pain.)