Health Tip: Help Prevent Low Back Pain

Things you can do to ward off a backache

October 15, 2009 RSS Feed Print

(HealthDay News) -- It's not always possible to prevent low back pain. But the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says there are things you can do to help keep it away:

  • Get plenty of regular exercise, including aerobics and exercises to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles.
  • When carrying heavy objects, lift with your legs, not your back. Always bend at the knees with a straight back; don't bend over.
  • If you're overweight, lose those extra pounds to reduce stress on the lower back muscles.
  • Don't smoke. Smoking contributes to degeneration of the spine.
  • Maintain good posture, especially while sitting, lifting objects and standing.

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Tags:
back problems,
pain management

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