If you already have back problems, ask your doctor what sports you can play and what special precautions should be taken. Since excess weight can pull the spine out of alignment and cause a back injury, it s important to keep your weight down. Do some aerobic exercises such as bicycling, walking or running to help you lose the excess pounds. It s also important to maintain a healthy diet that s high in fruits, grains and vegetables. In addition to causing weight gain, a poor diet can also make your back weaker and more susceptible to injury.
Stress can create muscle tension, causing a loss in flexibility that can lead to back pain.
To reduce stress, try exercise, yoga, meditation, getting more sleep or listening to music. Smoking puts you at increased risk for back problems since your blood has trouble delivering oxygen to working tissues, making your back weaker.