Turning back pain on its head
Back pain can occur as a result of damage to any of the structures in the back, in particular the muscles and ligaments of the lower back. Lower back pain is defined as being any back pain between the ribs and the top of the leg.
To significantly reduce your risk of lower back pain take care when lifting and warm up the muscles of the lower back with a few gentle stretches before attempting any strenuous activity.
How common is back pain?
Lower back pain is a common medical problem and one of the most common reasons for missed work and visits to healthcare practitioners. It is estimated to affect up to 70% of the population at some time. **
**Cavanagh & Weinstein. "Low Back Pain: Epidemiology,
Anatomy and Neurophysiology."
In: textbook of Pain, Wall D. & Melzack R. (eds) Churchill Livingstone.
1994
Managing back pain