Back Pain - Prevention

Here are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting back pain: 
- Stretch and exercise every day. 
- Wear shoes that fit properly. 
- Practice proper posture when sitting and standing.  
- Practice proper technique when lifting heavy objects. Remember to bend your knees and keep your back straight. If an object is too heavy for you to lift, ask for someone to help you.  
- Sleep on your side with a pillow placed between your knees or sleep on your back with a pillow placed under your knees. 
- Quit smoking.  

References 
1. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Low Back Pain Fact Sheet. June 2011. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/backpain/detail_backpain.htm. Accessed on October 7, 2011. 
2. Wright, Eric. APhA Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs: Chapter 7 Musculoskeletal Injuries and Disorders. 16th Edition, Washington DC: American Pharmacists Association, 2009. 
3. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Low Back Pain. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00311. Accessed on October 7, 2011. 
4. National Pain Foundation. Back and Neck. Available at: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172943.php. Accessed on October 7, 2011. 
5. WebMD. Back Pain Health Center. 2011. Available at: http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/guide/back-pain-tests. Accessed on October 7, 2011. 
6. WebMD. Back Pain Tests. 2011. Available at: http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/guide/back-pain-tests. Accessed on October 7, 2011. 
7. Vorvick, Linda and David Zieve. Intervertebral Disk. August 2011. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/19469.htm. Accessed on October 7, 2011. 
8. Vorvick, Linda and David Zieve. Tendons and muscles. July 2010. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/8956.htm. Accessed on October 7, 2011. 

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