5 things to know about back pain

Habits that cause back pain
It's not just one major injury but many minor mis-movements over time that cause lower back pain. Here are other habits that can affect your back:

• Sitting for long periods of time can exacerbate a sore bck. Sitting
actually puts more compression on the disks in your back than standing "so
sitting is not necessarily a rest for your back," says Cathy Christie, a
physiotherpaist with Doug Christie Physiotherapy in Winnipeg MB.

• Carrying an overloaded backpack to and from school every day is another
source of low back pain.

• The wrong footwear -- stilletto heels for example -- can throw your spine out of alignment and contribute to lower back pain.

• In contrast, shoes that provide good support or help correct foot
problems reduce stress on the back and legs.

• Good cushioning in the soles of shoes absorb shock while walking or
running and protects the lower back.

More resources about back pain:

Low back pain
Risk factors and red flags

Nutritional strategies for back pain
Food choices may help to prevent and ease lower back pain

Exercises to help prevent back pain
A series of exercises to help strengthen and better utilize this overused and underdeveloped body part.

Living with chronic back pain
Pain management advice

Lower back pain: Rehab or surgery?
Physiotherapy may provide the benefits of surgery, without the negative aspects of an invasive procedure

Body Basic: No more pain in the back
Increase your flexibilty and back support with this easy exercise.