Spinal pain in the low back may be caused by a number of different factors such as: poor posture, repetitive bending, incorrect lifting technique and trauma. Low back pain may be successfully treated in phyiscal therapy with manual therapy, spinal mobilization, massage, and physical therapy modalities -- ultrasound, electrical stimulation or spinal decompression therapy.

Key Preventative Spinal Pain Measures

• Maintain proper sitting posture- ears should be over shoulders, shoulders over hips, slight lordosis or curve in the lumbar spine.

• Maintain good lumbar posture while sitting utlizing lumbar roll or other supportive device.

• Limit sitting time to 30 minutes to 1 hour at most.

• Follow prolonged forward bending activities with appropriate backward bending exercises.

Try to maintain a slight curve or arch in the low back when squatting.

• Use proper lifting techniques.

Keep objects as close to the body as possible when lifting.

Use the leg muscles to lift, keeping knees bent.

Pivot the whole body rather than twisting the spine when moving or lifting.

Judge the weight of the object to be lifted and ask for help or use a hand truck/ dolly or other moving machinery when necessary.