Avoiding Surgery

Most back pain is caused by abnormal stress and strain, usually from trauma. It is also due to natural degeneration resulting from aging and the body's normal wear and tear.

There are three types of back pain. One type is called "electric shock," a pressure on a nerve that causes pain in the back and legs. This is called sciatic nerve pain or sciatica. The second type is "rusty hinge" pain, pain that starts in the joints of the back that may have become somewhat arthritic.These joints are what stabilize you, preventing you from falling over backwards when you extend. The third type is the "knotted rope," back pain from muscle spasms.

One of the best ways to avoid back pain is to take up swimming because this sport strengthens many different parts of your back muscles generally without causing damage to the back. If swimming is not an option, start with these six simple steps.

1. Exercise. Strong back and abdominal muscles are the wires of support to the spine so strength conditioning is important.
2. Watch your posture. Avoid sitting in couches and chairs with poor back support and get up from the sitting position every 60 minutes to take the pressure off of your back.

3. Quit smoking. Smoking restricts blood flow and oxygen to your lower back.
4. Watch what you eat. Stay away from red meat. Beef is high in arachidonic acid, a substance that fuels inflammation.
5. Drink plenty of water. You should take in half your body weight in ounces every day. Coffee, tea, and cola do not count!
6. Take supplements. Magnesium helps move oxygen to the tissues,and prevents cramps.
7. Use your legs not your back for heavy lifting.