Back pain is so widespread that up to 80 per cent of us are likely to have it at some time in our lives - after headache and the common cold, it's the most common cause of time off work. But the good news is that most back pain is caused by only minor problems and usually improves within two weeks. Many injuries are a result of doing something quite trivial - you might injure a muscle or ligament simply by bending or twisting your body in an awkward way, or by lifting something incorrectly. Sometimes back pain is caused by problems with a disc - discs are like cushions which separate the vertebrae in the back and allow the spine to move in different directions. Sometimes the problem is arthritis, a common condition which causes joints in the spine to become inflamed.
Swimming is especially good for people with arthritis.
Being aware of your posture. Stand as tall as possible but in a relaxed way. When sitting, avoid low or soft comfortable chairs and make sure there's support for your lower back - you can place a small cushion in the hollow of your back. Sit back in the chair with your feet resting back on the floor. Stand close to the object, keeping your back straight while you bend at the hips and knees.