Massage is something many people use for back pain.

And you can do it yourself with a tennis ball.

To help you relax, you could take a hot bath or shower first, or do a few stretches.

But that's up to you.

Now, let's put that tennis ball to work.

Lie on your back, with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.

Put the tennis ball under your back, right where it hurts.

Take a deep breath.

Now, relax down into the ball.

Stay there for a few seconds.

You can repeat this motion, or you can move the ball to a new spot.

Or, you can "roll" your back on top of the ball for a few seconds.

You can also do this standing up, which is handy when you're at work or any place where you can't lie down.

Stand with your knees slightly bent and your back flat against the wall.

Put the tennis ball between your back and the wall, and relax into it.

Use the same techniques you used on the floor.

Hold it for a few seconds, or "roll" your back over the ball.

Here's one more idea.

Stuff two tennis balls into a sock.

Tie a knot in the sock to keep the tennis balls right next to each other.

Put the stuffed sock behind your back so that one ball is on each side of your spine.

Then press against the floor or wall.