Protect Your Back

It’s estimated that 80% of Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives. The most common causes of back pain are actually unrelated to injury or illness; back pain usually results from an unhealthy lifestyle, poor posture, or weak core strength. As a result, most back pain can be relieved with exercise, stretching, and practicing good posture.

Exercising regularly will help keep your back healthy and pain-free. Adding stretching, back strengthening, and core exercises to your routine can help prevent back pain. Try a yoga class — it can help with stretching, strength, and posture.

If you sit for extended periods of time throughout the day, use some of these tips to protect your back:

• Keep both feet flat on the floor
• Sit tall with your shoulders down and your chest high
• Keep your weight evenly distributed through both hips
• Avoid crossing your legs
• Choose a seat with good lower back support or place a small pillow under your lower back

If you lift something heavy, make sure you are approaching it with proper form. Bend at your knees and keep your back straight so that your legs do most of the work. 

Learn more about spine care, including our Spine program by clicking here.