7 everyday ways to prevent back pain

Low back pain is a common issue in the U.S. It is one of the most common reasons people see a healthcare provider (HCP).

The prevalence of back pain can partly be attributed to accidents like slipping on ice or falling during a run. But sprains and strains are often the result of lifestyle habits that don’t do your back any favors. Bending down to lift a heavy box, leaning over to pick up your kids, or constantly looking down at your phone can all put unnecessary pressure on your spine.

Back pain can also contribute to other health issues. If you have pain, for example, it can affect your posture or sleep quality if you can’t get into a comfortable position. Thankfully, though, there are a number of ways to improve your habits to help prevent back pain.

The way you sit—whether it’s in a car, at work, or on a plane—can play a role in how your back feels.

At work: Hunching over your computer screen for hours at a time can put undue stress on your spine. When sitting on your desk chair, keep your elbows close to the body and your feet flat and fully supported on the floor or on a footrest. Your thighs should be parallel to the floor. If your desk chair doesn’t support the natural curve of your lower back, use a pillow for lumbar support. And move your monitor so that it’s eye level to avoid putting your neck in an unnatural position. If you need to sit for a long time, periodically get up and walk around to relieve muscle tension.

While driving: Adjust the seat so that it is as close to the steering wheel as possible while still feeling comfortable. Consider a back support to minimize low back strain. Your knees should be slightly higher than your hips.

In the air: Traveling by plane? For optimal spinal alignment, place a pillow behind your back just above your beltline and another pillow across the gap between your neck and headrest. Keep your feet slightly elevated by resting your feet on top of a small tote or your luggage.

Stretching your back throughout the day can help prevent strain. At home, try easy moves like lying on your back and pulling one knee into your chest. Hold the stretch for five to 10 seconds, then switch knees. Repeat five times on each side. If you prefer a more structured setting to release back tension, try a yoga class.

At work, it’s also important to give your back a break and to stretch and move your joints throughout the day. Researchers recommend getting up every 30 minutes for health benefits.

We spend up to one third of our lives asleep. It should come as no surprise that the way you sleep affects the way your back feels when you wake up. These common positions can help—or hurt—your back.

Sleeping on your back: Many experts advise that this is the optimal anatomical position for sleep because gravity keeps your spine and body centered. Place a pillow under your knees to take the pressure off your spine. You might also try a small rolled towel under your lower back for more support. Be sure to support your neck with a pillow.

Sleeping on your side: When you sleep on your side, try keeping a pillow between your bent knees. This can help keep your hips and spine in a straight line. Try to avoid curling up too much in this position (in the "fetal position) or tucking your chin. Ideally, you want to maintain the natural curve of your neck and spine. Use a pillow that supports your head and neck. Switch sides during the night so you don't put too much pressure on either side of your body.

Sleeping on your stomach. Sleeping on your stomach places unnatural pressure on your neck and compresses your spine. It may even cause pain in the hips, lower back, and middle back. Avoid sleeping in this position as much as possible. If you do sleep this way, reduce the strain on your back by placing a pillow under your pelvis and lower abdomen. Use a head pillow that doesn’t place strain on your back or sleep without a pillow.    

What you sleep on can also have an impact on the way your back feels. While there is no research proving that one type of mattress is better than another, listen to your body. If you wake up with recurring back pain, it may be a sign that you need to replace your mattress. Usually, more support is better for people with back issues.

Did your parent tell you not to slouch when you were a kid? Turns out they were on the right track. If you disrupt the natural curvature of your spine by slinking down or slouching, you put added stress on the muscles and ligaments in your back that work to keep you balanced.

Maintaining good posture while walking or standing might seem trivial, but it can help in the long run. When standing, keep your feet shoulder-width apart with a slight bend in your knees. Your body weight should be mostly on the balls of your feet. Press your shoulders back and stand as straight as possible. Pull in your abs; your core muscles can help you maintain good posture whether standing or in motion.

There’s an easy way to check your posture. Stand against a wall with your heels two to four inches away and your head, shoulders, and rear touching the wall. Place your hand behind the small of your back with your palm against the wall. Feel for the space between the arch of your back and the wall; it should be about the thickness of your hand. If there’s a wider gap, you might need to work on engaging your core to straighten your back a bit. If there's not much of a gap, gently arch your back to provide a little space.

When you walk away from the wall, try to maintain this corrected posture with your neck and head centered over your spine.

Preventing back injury during exercise comes down to proper form. Whether you’re on the treadmill, elliptical, or in a class at the gym, always be sure to maintain the correct form for that workout. For example, you shouldn’t hunch over or lean on the elliptical. If you’re unsure of the proper form, consult a trainer for help.

If you’re using weights, lift them properly off the rack. Keep your back and spine straight and bend at the knees. Hold the equipment close to your body and lift with your leg muscles as you stand up. Never lift a weight or other equipment that’s too heavy. Working out with dumbbells that are too heavy can throw off your balance or cause you to arch your back, which may lead to strains and other problems.

The average American spends more than 4 hours on their smartphone each day, according to some estimates. Constantly hunching over to send text messages and check your social media feeds could strain your neck, cause pain, and eventually take a toll on your lower back.

When using your phone, try to avoid looking straight down at it. This posture causes your chin to tuck in, your neck to bend forward, and your shoulders to become rounded. Instead, raise your phone so that it’s at eye level and keep your chin slightly raised so that you’re reading without leaning forward. It may take a little getting used to, but using your phone in this way may help prevent discomfort in your lower and upper back and neck.

Given the amount of time we spend using technology, these are good smartphone habits to adopt now, before long-term damage is done.