Unfortunately back pain will affect of 80% of the population at some point in our lives. It is important to know what we can to keep our backs healthy.

When your working in front of your computer be sure to have proper support. Adjust your chair so that your knees are slightly higher than your hips. If you have arm rests be sure they support a 90 degree angle of your arms. Be sure your monitor is directly in front of you. Try not slouch, if you get tired of sitting go walk around a little and then start over.

While you talk on the phone be sure to use a head set or speaker phone. So you won’t add any stress to your neck and shoulders.

While driving be sure that you have plenty of lower back support in your seat. If you don’t, try rolling up a towel and put it behind you. Sit close enough so you don’t have to reach to far for the steering wheel.

Walking is great therapy for your back. Try to walk 30 minutes every day. Walking will loosen up your back and it makes you feel better.

If your back is really bothering you, alternate with ice and heat. If the muscles just seem sore I recommend heat. If your back seems more inflamed try some ice.

Make exercise a regular routine. I know it’s not fun, but it’s really important part of keeping your back healthy. Be sure to stretch before and after to loosen up the muscles in your back. Do plenty of exercises to strengthen your stomach, this will help support your back. Also look for exercises that strengthen specific back muscles.

Try to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. Your spinal discs are hydraulic and made of 80% water! If you don’t drink enough water your body will take water from discs which will make them very brittle.