Those who suffer from constant back pain may be overlooking one of the easiest and most affordable cures – stretching. Author Kristian Berg recently told Massage magazine that some simple and effective exercises can actually prevent future aches.

"During a stretch, there is increased blood flow to the muscle, causing it to relax," he told the news provider. "As circulation increases, the blood washes substances that cause pain out of the muscle, thereby decreasing pain."

He recommended four different steps to those who are looking for a healthy and safe stretching technique. First, it's important to know the difference between pain and the burn of stretching. If an uncomfortable sensation spreads from the muscle to other parts of the body, the stretch isn't being done correctly.

Stretching slowly and gradually is also crucial, because doing so too fast may pull or tear a muscle. Berg also advised that individuals make sure that they are stretching the appropriate area of the body and target one region at a time.

The Mayo Clinic lists a number of health benefits of stretching, which can lead to increased flexibility, improved circulation and decreased stress levels. It can also help improve balance.