In a way, this has something to do with art. Yes, I know you're shocked that I'm actually writing about something that has to do with art, and not about laundry or other weird shit (since I have very little to do with art in real life).

If you're one of those people who slouches over their desk/ in front of the computer/ at the drawing table for hours...STOP NOW. After you read this, I mean. You may be doing serious damage to your back without realizing it.

Whenever possible, take a break- get up and walk around, stretch, move a little. Do it at least once an hour. Be aware of your posture while you're sitting.

If you do have back problems, see a doctor or chiropractor if you can. If you have general soreness, try a heating pad. If you have real sharp pain, it could be inflammation. Either way, it's better to let the experts figure it out.

Here's the most important thing I've learned from experience: if you're told to use a heating pad or an ice pack (or both), then don't use it for more than 20 minutes in an hour. (That is, use it from 8:00 to 8:20, then don't use it again til 9:20). If you use an ice pack on your back for longer (like I did when I fell asleep), you can actually give your skin freezer-burn. Not only that, but it will mess with your nerves in other parts of your body. It's like getting frost-bite, then you get than burning sensation like when you start to warm up again. My legs were actually numb for an hour, then they hurt like crazy.

I think the same goes for heating pads, but I don't have personal knowledge. I'll assume too much heat is just as bad.

There you go, my friends. So save yourself a few bucks by not messing up your back to begin with. If you do, then don't fall asleep with the ice pack on.