Millions of Americans suffer from low back pain. It is the leading cause of disability for Americans causing millions of dollars in health care cost each year. There are a few simple steps that can be taken to prevent back injuries. The most obvious steps are:

*When lifting or moving objects remove any obstacles that may cause you to slip, fall or trip.

*When lifting always hold and carry objects close to your body’s center of gravity to enable you to balance and use your arm and leg muscles.

*Separate your feet, shoulder-width apart and bending at the knees while tightening the stomach muscles.

*Do not stack boxes above shoulder level.

*Ask for assistance when moving any large item even if you think you can manage the load.

*Minimize and avoid twisting motions when lifting heavy objects.

In addition to the obvious steps nutrition plays an active role in maintaining a healthy back. Your health depends on many factors some you can not control like hereditary, environmental factors and age, but you can control diet, exercise, rest, and stress. Avoiding bad habits like smoking, drug and alcohol abuse. Having a bad attitude also affects your health, having an optimistic attitude can help reduce pain and promote lasting wellness.

*Drinking plenty of H20 helps to maintain healthy disc, it helps to maintain and enhance the disc height. Drinking 6-8, 8ounce glasses a day is an excellent goal to strive for.

*Exercise helps to maintain healthy muscles of the spine. All adults should stretch and exercise regularly, Staying flexible prevents stiff muscles which in turn prevent injuries.

* Muscle building exercises restore strength and reduce stress on your back.

Veronica Mason is a Family Practice Nurse Practitioner specializing in Pain Management. She has practice in Western New York since 1999, currently with private practice in Niagara Falls. For more information about back pain, call 716-216-4424.