Video requires the RealPlayer plugin Four out of five Americans will suffer significant low back pain sometime during their lives.
Back pain can have many different causes.
The back muscles can be strained by improper lifting, overuse, or sudden forceful movements. Smoking and being overweight increase the risk of sprain and strain of the back muscles. As we age, the body is more susceptible to ailments which also increase risk for back pain, such as degenerative disk disease, herniated disks, and osteoporosis and spinal fracture. The muscles in our back often take a pounding, increasing the risk of back injury or back pain. Doctors often recommend back exercises to reduce pain, strengthen the muscles and prevent further back problems.