• Quit smoking. Smoking increases back problems because it reduces blood flow and prevents rehydration of the invertebral discs.

 • To lift heavy objects from the floor put your feet flat on the floor, bend your knees and not your waist, tighten the abdomen and start stretching your knees so the load is on your legs and not on your back.

 • When lowering heavy objects from a height above your shoulders, make sure to be as close to the object as possible and do not lean backwards with the weight.

 • If you must transport objects in a cart, push it, don’t pull it.