How To Prevent Spinal Injuries

The best way to avoid back pain is to prevent spinal injuries before they happen. Lower back pain is often the result of poor posture, a sedentary lifestyle, and inadequate conditioning. Obesity and smoking can also contribute to back pain. If a person’s back is weakened, normal activities such as bending over, sneezing or coughing can produce a herniated disc. Regular exercise and strengthening of abdomen and leg muscles can prevent many back problems. Here are some other suggestions to protect your back:

• Stretch before getting out of bed
• Do not slump when you drive
• Push, don't pull when moving items

Back injuries can also occur to individuals who engage in active sports, especially people who do not exercise regularly and stretch properly before beginning an activity. Sports such as gymnastics, football and racquet sports have a higher incidence of back injuries because of repetitive twisting and bending motions. Proper conditioning and technique can prevent many sports-related back injuries. There is additional information about sports injuries on our Sports Medicine Program page.