Prevention

The concept of prevention does not have a great track record, and this dismal situation is true not only for back pain but for most health issues. It's really quite simple: Healthy people lack motivation to participate in preventive activities. They wait until they have their back attack (or other illness) and then try to prevent a recurrence.

Once you have had one back attack, you are at greater risk of having another within a year. Some studies suggest this is true for as many as 50 percent of back pain sufferers. However, the second attack is usually milder than the first. The second attack occurs because people forget the lessons learned from the first back pain episode. They go back to their old habits and lift objects from awkward positions, stretch too far, or sit too long.

Do not become a repeat back offender. Remember what caused your first back attack. Practice good body mechanics, rest when appropriate, and exercise at the correct time of the day (generally later in the day). If you follow these simple rules, a second attack of pain is less likely.