The statement that back injuries tend to be difficult to cure can be a myth in many cases. We can help guide our patients and pave a pathway to recovery from their back disorders.

A back disorder may develop over a period of time or a patient may actually have a sudden onset of back pain. There may be one specific incident or known injury such as a fall, motor vehicle accident, direct trauma, or the back injury may be the cumulative result of one or all of the following:

• Poor posture
• Improper body mechanics
• Stressful living situations and poor working habits
• Limited flexibility and decreased strength

Poor Posture

Poor posture is one of the leading causes of back pain. You can help prevent or even help cure a back disorder by trying to improve your postural awareness and by making changes in your activities of daily living. Listed below are some useful tips to remember:

• Correct sitting and standing postures are one and the same; head and shoulders erect and balanced, stand up straight and look straight ahead.
• Do not sit or stand for long periods of time (take periodic rest breaks and change positions as needed).
• Always position yourself close to your work and work at a comfortable height.
• Always practice good posture and proper body mechanics.

Faulty Body Mechanics

Faulty body mechanics involves improper lifting techniques.

• One must maintain proper posture and keep objects close to the body.
• One must use the strong muscles of the lower extremities to perform the lift instead of bending at the waist and using the lower back.
• Do not twist while lifting and obtain assistance if needed.

Stressful Living Conditions and Poor Work Habits

This may aggravate the symptoms of back pain and may even create a flare-up of pain following periods of increased tension.

• Utilizing stress management is an important tool to help improve emotional factors in one’s life.
• Most individuals will cope better by understanding the nature of their injury and taking the appropriate steps necessary to eliminate back pain and provide for a healthy back.

Exercise
Exercising aerobically 3 to 5 times weekly and maintaining good strength and flexibility are the keys to having a strong and healthy back. Generally, people in poor physical condition tend to be more vulnerable to back injuries than those who maintain a high level of physical fitness. One of the most important components of good health is to maintain a daily exercise program.

Conclusion
Back problems can be prevented most of the time. It is certainly easier to prevent a back injury by taking the appropriate measures. Patient education is one of the most effective tools in preventing back injuries. Patients can be taught to understand what their back problems are, how to prevent them, and what to do if they occur. Self responsibility and a desire to have a healthy back is the first step to success!!