There are three natural curves in your back which keep your back aligned. Sitting or standing in a forward or stooped position is hard on the back because you eliminate the curve in the low back and stretch the ligaments. It also doubles or triples the pressure in the low back discs, which increases your chances of herniated disc.

Muscles help support your spine every time you move. Good strong stomach, buttock and thigh muscles work the hardest for you in keeping your body upright and your spine straight when lifting. Back strain often occurs when the back muscles are stretched or torn.

Most back strains occur from common activities done improperly, such as bending, lifting, standing, and even sitting. Stiffness in the back is always important, as it often results in back injury if you lift incorrectly. Pain down the leg is always important and must be check immediately.

Back safety is a shared responsibility. It requires your cooperation at work and at home.

Proper use of your back and good posture can significantly decrease the wear and tear of disc and joint degeneration.

Even if you have pain now, it is often the accumulation of bad body mechanics or poor posture that has irritated the back over the years. Most everyone will have some type of a painful back injury during their lifetime.

You should turn your feet not twist at the waist. Twisting is done at the neck, not at the low back. At the neck the vertebrae are small and can turn easily; in the low back they are large and not made to twist.

Don’t bend over with your legs straight or twist while lifting. Always try to avoid lifting above shoulder level. These positions leave you vulnerable to back strain.

You should always report a back injury to your employer, and make sure that you fill out the necessary papers.