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80 percent of all back problems based on statistics can be prevented because 80 percent of these back problems can be tracked back to muscle strain, poor back usage habits, and degenerative disc disease that has not be treated.

80 percent of all back problems based on statistics can be prevented because 80 percent of these back problems can be tracked back to muscle strain, poor back usage habits, and degenerative disc disease that has not be treated.

Now, just how do these back injuries happen? Well first we need to understand the anatomy of the spine. It is made up of 24 moveable bones called vertebrae. The vertebrae are stacked up on top of each other like small blocks and sitting in between each one of the vertebrae are gel like discs, which act like shock absorbers.

Connecting the vertebrae, holding them in alignment, almost rubber bands are ligaments. Muscles are also attached to the vertebrae by way of tendons. As your muscles contract they are responsible for moving the vertebrae which in turn moves your torso and upper body.

The normal average human trunk weighs about 105 pounds. Due to earth's gravity, a 10 pound object added to the weight of the human torso puts about 1150 pounds of pressure on the lower back. If you are 25 pounds over your normal weight, which is very common today, you are adding an additional 250 pounds of pressure on your lower back every time you pick something up... even if youre just bending over. This is a really surprising statistic.

So what's the big deal all about? Every time you lift, pressure begins in the middle of your disc and that pressure will push out from the center of the disc toward the outside of the disc. If there is too much pressure, the outer disc fibers will begin to weaken and tear. If enough outer disc fibers are damaged from lifting excessively or even lifting wrong, the outer walls of the disc become weakened to where literally the center core can bulge through the outer fibers and pinch or put pressure on your spinal cord or spinal nerves. That is what happens when a person has a "slipped" or bulging disc.

Now the problem is, the outer part of the spinal disc fibers in your lower back can really start tearing anytime you put 1500 lbs. of pressure on your lower back area.

Most back pain sufferers believe that one single event or incident started their lower back pain or back injury. The real truth is less, than 5 percent of all back problems or injuries can be traced back to one single incident.

Ninety-five percent of all back problems happen and come about over some time. Problems happen little by little over long period of time until one simple small movement seems to cause you to "throw your back out" and produce pain. We all understand the "straw that broke the camels back" and the moral of that story.

Now, just how can you use all this information to your benefit? First, learn some good back habits. Then, get your spine checked and evaluated by a qualified and licensed chiropractor. In my clinic, I focus on the evaluation and treatment of many types of spinel pain conditions and joint pain problems.