Back pain - low

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Lumbar vertebrae

Backache; Low back pain; Lumbar pain; Pain - back

Exercise is important for preventing future back pain. Through exercise you can:

• Improve your posture
• Strengthen your back and improve flexibility
• Lose weight
• Avoid falls

A complete exercise program should include aerobic activity (like walking, swimming, or riding a stationary bicycle) as well as stretching and strength training.

To prevent back pain, it is also very important to learn to lift and bend properly. Follow these tips:

• If an object is too heavy or awkward, get help.
• Spread your feet apart to give a wide base of support.
• Stand as close to the object you are lifting as possible.
• Bend at your knees, not at your waist.
• Tighten your stomach muscles as you lift the object up or lower it down.
• Hold the object as close to your body as you can.
• Lift using your leg muscles.
• As you stand up with the object, DO NOT bend forward.
• DO NOT twist while you are bending for the object, lifting it up, or carrying it.

Other measures to take to prevent back pain include:

• Avoid standing for long periods of time. If you must for your work, try using a stool. Alternate resting each foot on it.
• DO NOT wear high heels. Use cushioned soles when walking.
• When sitting for work, especially if using a computer, make sure that your chair has a straight back with adjustable seat and back, armrests, and a swivel seat.
• Use a stool under your feet while sitting so that your knees are higher than your hips.
• Place a small pillow or rolled towel behind your lower back while sitting or driving for long periods of time.
• If you drive long distance, stop and walk around every hour. Bring your seat as far forward as possible to avoid bending. Don't lift heavy objects just after a ride.
• Quit smoking.
• Lose weight.
• Learn to relax. Try methods like yoga, tai chi, or massage.

Rakel D. Low Back Pain. In:Integrative Medicine. Elsevier; 2003:423-431.

Sierpina VS, Curtis P, Doering J. An Integrative Approach To Low Back Pain. Clin Fam Pract. 2002; 4(4); 817.

US Preventative Services Task Force. Primary Care Interventions to Prevent Low Back Pain: Brief Evidence Update. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; February 2004.

Review Date: 07/07/2005
Reviewed By: Kevin B. Freedman, MD, MSCE, Sports Medicine, Orthopaedic Speclalists, Bryn Mawr, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.