Do not try to lift by yourself an object that is too heavy or an awkward shape. How to prevent back pain Use the correct lifting and moving techniques. Exercise regularly to keep the muscles that support your back strong and flexible. Maintain your proper body weight. Being overweight puts a strain on your back muscles.
Musculoskeletal conditions are a silent epidemic.
Chronic conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis and less severe problems such as sprains, strains, and back pains affect millions of people annually. In the United States alone, musculoskeletal conditions rank first among diseases according to measures of disability and on the basis of visits to physicians' offices. They are the number one category of reported impairments, according the 1995 National Health Interview Survey, conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics. Nobody really hears about musculoskeletal conditions or their impact on individuals, families and society, Weinstein says. Although the conditions usually are not life threatening, they do have quite an impact.