How to Prevent Back Pain

• Remain active—under the supervision of your doctor of chiropractic. Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest.
  • Exercise regularly. An inactive lifestyle contributes to lower-back pain
• Warm up or stretch before exercising or other physical activities, such as gardening.
• If you must sit for long periods, take frequent breaks and stretch.
• Don’t lift by bending over. Instead, bend your hips and knees and then squat to pick up the object. Keep your back straight, and hold the object close to your body.
• Don’t twist your body while lifting.
• Push, rather than pull, when you must move heavy objects.
• Wear flat shoes or shoes with low heels.
• Maintain a healthy diet and weight.
• Maintain proper posture.
• Sleep on a mattress of medium firmness to minimize any curve in your spine.
• Quit smoking. Smoking impairs blood flow, resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues.
• Consult your doctor of chiropractic to ensure that your workstation is ergonomically correct.
• Drink plenty of water every day to help hydrate the spine.