There are a number of things you can do at home to relieve your back pain. Your doctor may recommend using heat or ice, relaxation, breathing, and positioning exercises to help control your pain and relieve stress. Simply giving your body a rest can help calm low back pain, giving your back time to heal. If you are having pain with an activity or movement, it is a sign of irritation. Try to avoid all movements and activities that increase your pain. You may be given exercises for the joints and muscles above and below the sore area to help relieve your pain and protect your back during the initial healing phase.