Keep Your Back Healthy

Back pain is a topic that is of concern to many. In fact, studies suggest that 80% of American swill experience some kid of back problems during their lifetime. It is the 2nd most common reason that people see a doctor and one of the most common reasons cited for missing work.


The causes of back pain are numerous including poor lifting techniques, arthritis, obesity, and chronic posture problem. The treatments are as varied as the causes and should always be researched with care.

As with many injuries, chronic or acute, one of the best treatment options can be active prevention. In many ways keeping your back healthy and strong is much easier than trying correct problems after they have started.

A key to keeping a healthy back is keeping it strong. Regular exercise is a great way to get the resistance training your body needs to maintain proper muscle strength.

Back exercises can include every muscle group from neck to hips. However, the healthy back extends far beyond just the spine. For example, a muscle imbalance in other places of your body (such as tight hamstrings) can result in an uneven pull on the spinal column. So being aware of your total body balance can play a big role in back health.

In addition to building strength throughout your body, (especially your core, but that’s a whole other topic), improving your flexibility can greatly improve overall spine and body function.

You have heard of the phrase, ‘move it or lose it’. Well, this definitely applies to joint motion. By maintaining motion in the joints, such as the spine, you can maintain freedom of movement and flexibility.

Properly done, the combination of strength and flexibility training can significantly reduce your risk of incurring back pain in your life.

If you are unsure how to start, see your trainer or therapist for recommendations on how to keep your back healthy. Good luck and happy training!