Prevention

• The only way to prevent future backaches is to keep your back muscles in excellent physical condition.
• A sedentary lifestyle (lack of exercise) is a risk factor for developing back pain.
• Walking, stationary biking, and swimming provide good aerobic conditioning as well as exercise for your back.
• Being overweight puts more weight on the spine and thus increases the risk of back pain. If you are overweight, work with your doctor to develop a weight-loss program.