By Paul Carey, DC,
Past President of The World Federation of Chiropractic

Eight out of 10 adults will experience disabling back pain at one point in their lives. It is a serious health problem, which often goes untreated ¬and it can often be avoided by giving your back the attention it deserves.
One of the reasons back pain is so common is that it can be the result of many different factors such as:
• Work-related injuries
• Sports injuries
• Poor posture and sleeping habits
• Stress
• Car accidents
• Improper lifting
Any of these conditions can cause your spine to shift from its normal position or affect your range of motion. This puts pressure on the joints, muscles and nerves in that area, and is what causes most back pain. About 90% of back pain arises from mechanical or functional problems in the spine and related tissues, not bone fracture or pathology.

Back Problem Warning Signs
Here are some signs and symptoms, which might indicate that you suffer from a back problem and are heading for a disabling back attack:
• Difficulty standing up after sitting for any period of time
• Stiffness in the morning that decreases when you move around
• Inability to turn or bend to each side equally
• Unbalanced posture, when your head, neck or shoulder may be higher on one side than the other
• Back or leg pain with coughing or sneezing
• Leg pain with numbness, tingling and/ or weakness
• Developing pain in your hip, buttock, thigh, knee or foot

10 Tips For Keeping Your Back Healthy
A healthy back is essential for a healthy body. Here are 10 tips for keeping your back healthy, preventing a back problem in the first place, or preventing first signs from developing into disabling back pain.
• Exercise regularly
• Follow a healthy diet
• Maintain good posture
• Stretch your spine before and after sports
• Don't overload your backpack or shoulder bag
• Stretch your legs and back after each hour of sitting
• Never cradle the phone between your neck and shoulder
• Lift with care. Balance your body, bend your knees and keep the weight close to your body
• Have periodic spinal check-ups
• Sleep on your back or side, not on your stomach. And invest in a good pillow and mattress such as the Nikken Sleep System, now endorsed by the World Federation of Chiropractic

Preventive care, especially when you notice the early warning signs I have mentioned, is wise and effective. This helps to deal with the daily wear and tear of life before it becomes a "back attack."
Many of my patients have a regular tune-up for their back to prevent a second bout of pain and disability - and wish they had done this before their first problem.
Are you one of the eight out of 10 adults who have experienced or will experience disabling back pain? Either way, take steps now to keep your back healthy. It's the only back you will have for the rest of your life.
Source: Healthy Millionaires, June 2005

Tags: Back Pain Sleep System Prevention