|2009-12-14|  Question: Are there things I can do to reduce the risk of back pain?

Answer: Most people will experience back pain during their lifetime. Many cases of back pain are preventable. Unfortunately, most people don’t worry about their back until it’s already hurting them. There are things you can do to decrease your risk for back pain.

Correct Posture will reduce your risk for back pain. While sitting, make sure your lower back is getting enough support.

If you sit for long periods of time, be sure to get up, stretch and walk around.

Be certain your mattress has support and that it is comfortable for you.

Lying on your back with a small pillow under your knees is the ideal.

When lifting, always bend at the knees, not at the waist.

Avoid twisting and lifting over your head.

When lifting a heavy object below chest level, always tighten your abdomen muscles to place less of the load on your spine. If an object is heavy, push it instead of pulling it and ask for help.

Stretching and exercise can help make your back more flexible and can strengthen and protect the muscles, helping to prevent injuries.

Abdominal exercises can also help keep your back strong. Ask your doctor to show you back strengthening exercises.

Lose weight. Excess weight can pull the spine out of alignment and cause a back injury. Maintain a healthy weight.

Lower stress. Stress can create muscle tension, causing a loss in flexibility that can lead to back pain. Finds ways to reduce your stress such as exercise, massage therapy, yoga, meditation, and/or getting more sleep.

Quit Smoking. Smoking puts you at increased risk for back problems since your blood has trouble delivering oxygen to working tissues, delaying tissue healing, making your back weaker.

Persistent and/or severe lower back pain requires a medical evaluation. It is important that you seek advice from your primary care physician to discuss appropriate testing and treatment.

Visit the Brain and Spine Center for a detailed diagnosis, personal evaluation and to determine appropriate treatment options. Our physicians and therapists will work closely with your primary care doctor to develop a plan of action for you. Our goal is to offer comprehensive and compassionate care to reduce pain, restore function and to improve quality of life.

Michael K. Landi, MD, FACS
Chief of Neurosurgery
Kenmore Mercy Hospital