General

Lifting objects is not the only cause of back problems. Sitting, standing, bending, and stooping - everything we do with our bodies - can either take away from, or add to, the overall health of our backs.

Your best back support is derived from your own back muscles. Physical conditioning and stretching programs reduce the risk of muscle strain. Faithful performance of back exercises often avoids the necessity of an external brace or corset. Back muscles can give you all the support needed if you strengthen them by routine performance of prescribed exercises.

Exercises

Follow the exercise routine prescribed by your doctor. Gradually increase the frequency of your exercises as your condition improves, but stop when fatigued. If your muscles are tight, take a warm shower or tub bath before performing your back exercises. This tightness should diminish as your muscles become stronger. If you suffer from back pain, and find that it diminishes as you repeat an exercise, then the exercise is probably the correct one for your condition. On the other hand if you repeat an exercise and the pain worsens, this exercise should be discontinued.

Exercise on a rug or mat. Put a small pillow under you neck. Wear loose clothing; no shoes. Stop doing any exercise that causes pain until you have checked with your doctor.