Orthopaedics

Orthopaedic Spine

Back Pain Facts and Tips

Facts about Back Pain

75% to 85% of all people over age 30 will experience back problems at some point in their lives.
Back pain is the second most common reason people visit a physician.
Conditions related to back pain account for more hospitalizations than any other musculoskeletal condition.
Each year, back pain results in more lost days from work than any other ailment except general bone/joint problems.

Tips For A Healthy Back

Standing: Keep one foot in front of the other while standing, with knees slightly bent to take the pressure off your lower back.
Sitting: Sit with your knees slightly lower than your hips to provide good lower back support.
Reaching: Stand on a stool to reach things that are above your shoulder level.
Moving heavy items: Pushing is easier on your back than pulling. Use your arms and legs to start the push. If you must lift a heavy item, get someone to help you.
Lifting: Kneel down on one knee with the other foot flat on the floor, as near as possible to the item you are lifting. Lift with your legs, not with your back, keeping the object close to your body at all times.
Carrying: Two small objects (one in each hand) may be easier to handle than one large one. If you must carry one large object, keep it close to your body.
Sleeping: Sleeping on your back puts 55 pounds of pressure on your back. Put a couple of pillows under your knees to cut the pressure in half. Lying on your side with a pillow between your knees also reduces the pressure.
Weight control: Additional weight puts a strain on your back. Keep within 10 pounds of your ideal weight for a healthier back.
Smoking: Quit smoking. Smokers are more prone to back pain than nonsmokers because nicotine restricts the flow of blood to the discs that cushion your vertebrae.
Minor back pain: Treat minor back pain with anti-inflammatories and gentle stretching, followed by an ice pack.

Additional Resources

North American Spine Society
Information on preventing spine injury and education about common spine conditions.

National Osteoporosis Foundation
Information about osteoporosis, diagnostic testing, treatment and prevention.

International Spine Intervention Society
Information about spinal injection procedures, indications and expected results.