The common expression is "pain in the neck" but it seems like it should be "pain in my low back" since about 80% of Americans complain about low back pain at some point in their life. The low back supports everything above it - the torso and the head. It is also involved in almost every action we do - standing, sitting, twisting and lifting.
So if you have a pain in your low back it pretty much affects everything you do. And let me tell you, back pain is a huge bummer. To get the skinny on the low back and some easy ways to avoid the inevitable, read more
The low back is also known as the lumbar spine and the small of the back. It consists of 5 vertebra between your rib cage and pelvis. It naturally has a convex shape to it which can get exaggerated by wearing really high heels or flattened from squeezing the glutes too much (tucking the pelvis).

Here's a few tips on how to avoid low back pain and injury.

  • Don't lift by bending over and rounding your back with straight knees. Lift , especially heavy stuff, by bending at your hips and knees, sticking your booty out. Squat, keeping your back straight to lift. Use the power of your legs.
  • Push rather than pull when you must move heavy objects, this way you can put all of your body weight into the effort.
  • If you must sit at a desk or drive for long periods of time sit up straight without slouching. And by all means break up the time and stretch.
  • Exercise regularly - walking is great for the low back and often relieves low back pain. It is not a shocker that an inactive lifestyle contributes to lower back pain.
  • Keep your abs and back strong and use your deep abdominals and your core muscles when exerting effort when lifting and exercising.

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