Back pain may make you think of painkillers, chiropractors, physical therapy, surgery, and other common sources of relief -- but you can fight that pain with diet and nutrition as well. Here are three ways you can conquer your back by way of your mouth:

1. Eat for a Healthy Weight

The spine is a truly remarkable structure, a series of vertebrae that protect the spinal cord while allowing a wide range of motion. The spinal column must do all this while also supporting your body weight -- so it's no surprise that excess weight can put a strain on it.

A spine under pressure may suffer from compressed or herniated discs, which in turn pinch sensitive nerves. The muscles that provide spinal support can also become strained and vulnerable to injury.

If you suffer from regular bouts of lower back pain, it might be time to re-evaluate what (and how much) you're eating. Replace fatty meats with lean proteins, choose low-fat alternatives wherever possible, eat fruits and vegetables instead of processed snacks, and try consuming several small meals a day so you won't feel the need to binge.

2. Eat Anti-inflammatory Foods

Did you know that many foods possess natural anti-inflammatory powers? This is especially good news for people who are unable or unwilling to take anti-inflammatory drugs on a regular basis, but anyone suffering from chronic pain can benefit from these foods' effects. Natural anti-inflammatories include:

• Turmeric
• Garlic
• Onions
• Fatty fish
• Shiitake mushrooms
• Green tea
• Blueberries
• Papaya
• Kelp

3. Drink Plenty of Water

As strange as it may sound, your back pain might be related to dehydration. That's because the gelatinous inner portions of your spinal discs rely on water to remain plump so they can provide the proper cushioning and space between vertebrae. If these discs lose too much water, they can start to flatten out, causing the spine to compress painfully.

While a certain amount of disc dehydration and compression occurs naturally with age, the last thing you want to do is accelerate the process by neglecting your fluid intake. Make a conscious effort to drink water and eat water-rich foods throughout the day -- if you wait until you actually feel thirsty, the dehydration has already begun. Give your discs the water they need, and they should be able to re-hydrate themselves overnight as you sleep.

We really are what we eat (and drink) when it comes to back pain and its remedies. While you might still need medical assistance, see for yourself whether these simple strategies make a difference in how you feel. If you want to know more or have other questions, try contacting a company such as Smith Chiropractic for more help.