Facts About Your Healthy Back

Always maintain good posture, it allows the muscles and bones to perform as they were intended, and puts less stress on them.

Maintain your optimum weight, extra pounds will add stress and pull you off of your natural center of gravity.

Do not cross your legs when you sit, if you must cross them at the ankles. Try to sit with your knees slightly higher than your hips.

Train yourself to stand with your knees slightly bent, and place one foot somewhat ahead of the other.

Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees.

Occasionally during the day, gently stretch your back, this helps to alleviate tension and reduces risk of injury to the back.

When you have to move a heavy item, try to push it rather than pull it. It is much less stressful on you back. If you must lift it, kneel down on one knee, close to the object, and use your leg muscles to power the lift. Keep it close to your body. Better yet, get a helper to share the load.

Avoid straining your back to reach for something. Rather than overstretching, use a stool.

Strengthen your back with aerobic, weight-bearing exercise to help reduce risk of injury. Strong abdominal muscles protect your back and help alleviate back stress.

High-heeled shoes can aggravate back pain, and anything over 1.5 to 2 inches can stress your back.

If your back is hurting, take an anti-inflammatory, stretch gently, and treat with ice.