We often take our backs for granted until the day upper back pain starts, doesn't subside and becomes increasingly uncomfortable.
At first, it may be easy to dismiss the pain as just a minor sprain or even chalk it up to sleeping in the wrong position.
As days pass, however, and the aches and tenderness don't go away, it can become a true source of extreme discomfort for those suffering back pain.
So what are the symptoms? Since the back has well over 30 bones in it, pain may be concentrated on just a bone or two.
It may also cover the entire back.
Some people may experience upper back pain primarily on one side or the other, perhaps over the left shoulder - or the right.
Any sore spots that don't go away within a day or two (a week at most) may need more aggressive treatment.
For many, that treatment consists of a simple acupressure mat, an innovative product which relieves back pain naturally.
Of course, it is helpful to know the causes of upper back pain, especially for those prone to worry.
The vast majority of people will experience significant back pain in their lifetime, often focused on the upper back.
Although it can be extremely uncomfortable, even acute, many causes are not serious.
Something as simple as lifting a very heavy item the wrong way or shoveling snow after a year of sedentary living can be enough to set off a bout of pain.
Poor posture can also be at fault.
People who have managed to get through childhoods with poor posture can pay the price later, suffering from constant upper back pain as they reach adulthood.
They may think they have tight muscles but poor posture can be the real cause.
An acupressure mat can help align their bodies, relieve upper back pain and automatically help restore posture to a normal position.
An overly aggressive exercise program can also result in intense tenderness in the upper back, often with every move or even every breath.
Finally, the daily stresses and strains of daily life can cause tension to settle in the back and eventually become permanent - or seem permanent - until relief is sought.
That relief may be found with an acupressure mat.
There are other common treatment that people often try before turning to an acupressure mat.
They may try to take it easy and stay in bed but be surprised to discover that this only makes it more severe.
There are also plenty of medications which are designed to relieve pain, including aspirin and ibuprofen.
Trouble is, there can be rebound aches as soon as the medication is discontinued and paying for the medication is an additional expense.
All medications have potential side effects - and who needs that? There are also ice and heat pad treatments but they can take time to work.
What is needed is a product that relieves the symptoms.
That is where an acupressure mat could be the only treatment needed.
What is an acupressure mat? Quite simply, it is a special mat which puts pressure on the areas of the back that need relief.
Long used in India and Tibet, these mats are becoming popular elsewhere.
In addition to relieving upper back pain, they also stimulate the body's natural ability to produce endorphins, causing emotional as well as physical relief.
It takes very little time, sometimes as little as 15 minutes per day, to get this relief.
Best of all, this solution requires no surgery, no expensive medications.