Back SafetyBack Safety~Back Pain Is No Joke~~Back Pain Is No Joke~

Most back problems are Most back problems are unnecessary and can be unnecessary and can be prevented.prevented.

The Spine Has 3 The Spine Has 3 PurposesPurposes1. Maintain the structure of our

trunk and allow for body mobility.

2. Protect the spinal cord.

3. Act as a shock absorber.

Components of the Components of the SpineSpine Vertebral BodyVertebral Body

DiskDisk Fibrous Ring

Jelly Substance Middle

Shock Absorber

Facet JointsFacet Joints

TendonsTendons

NervesNerves

What Causes Back Problems?What Causes Back Problems?Poor PosturePoor Posture

Slumped Sitting Flat Back Sway Back

Faulty Body MechanicsFaulty Body Mechanics

Lifting with the Back Flexed

Knees in the Way

Weight too Far Away

Twisting without a Pivot

Stressful Living and Working Stressful Living and Working HabitsHabits

Reaching with a Heavy Load

Back Unsupported

Work too Low and Far Away

Poor MattressesPoor Mattresses

A Sagging Mattress Leaves the Back in an Unbalanced Position

A Mattress which is too Hard Leaves the Back Unsupported

Other Risk FactorsOther Risk FactorsAccidents

Loss of FlexibilityDecline of

Physical Fitness

*Plus, emotional stress, poor nutrition, lack of rest, and smoking.

What’s the problem, Doc?What’s the problem, Doc?Disc Strain or BulgeDisc Strain or Bulge

Herniated DiscHerniated Disc

Acute Strains and SprainsAcute Strains and Sprains

Postural Strains and SprainsPostural Strains and Sprains

Joint StiffnessJoint Stiffness

OsteoarthritisOsteoarthritis

What can I do to help my What can I do to help my back?back?

““Balance is the Key”Balance is the Key”

The “Power” PositionThe “Power” Position

The “Power” LiftThe “Power” Lift

Interrupt or Change Stressful Interrupt or Change Stressful Positions FrequentlyPositions Frequently

What about exercises to prevent What about exercises to prevent back problems?back problems?

Aerobic ExercisesAerobic Exercises

RememberRemember~~