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Orthopedics
Caring for the Back and Spin; Photo of man's back
Back Pain Quiz

Answer this one: What position is best for your back when you sleep?

Scoliosis Quiz

True or false: In most cases of scoliosis, doctors cannot determine the cause.

Spine Health Quiz

Back pain is one of the most common nerve-related illnesses in the United States. Keeping your spine in good health is one way to avoid back pain. Learn more about your spine and back pain by taking this quiz.

Basic Back Care

Basic Back Care

Besides maintaining a healthy weight, one of the most important steps you can take to reduce the risk for back pain is to perform a stretching/flexibility workout every morning. Here are some other tips for back care.

Back Basics: A Healthy Spine

A healthy spine supports the body while letting it move freely. It does this with the help of three natural curves. Strong, flexible muscles help, too. They support the spine by keeping its curves properly aligned.

Caring for Your Back Throughout the Day

To take care of your back, try to warm up before you move and shift positions often.

Help Your Back Work for You

Your back is important to almost every move you make, but you probably won't realize that until you hurt it.

Caring for a Bad Back

Back pain experts say that it's best to treat your back well day to day. That approach will help prevent episodes of pain in the first place.

Stretches for Your Lower Back

A lack of flexibility in your lower back can cause pain. The following stretches can keep this area loose and pain-free.

Back Safety

Back Safety: Basics of Good Posture

Your body works best when it's properly aligned. Aim for good posture throughout the day.

Back Safety: Standing

Good posture decreases back pain by reducing strain on your muscles.

Back Safety: Sitting

Sitting can strain your back if you don't do it right. Learn the right moves to protect your back.

Back Safety: Bending

Here are tips on how to move safely and protect your back when you need to bend.

How to Prevent Back Pain at Work

People who work in certain occupations, such as nursing, are likely to have back pain. But so can folks who work in an office every day if they don’t take proactive steps to protect their backs.

Back Conditions

Back Pain

Back pain can be caused by inflammation of joints, muscles, or ligaments. Poor posture, obesity, or lifting something the wrong way can cause back pain. Pain also can develop after you sit or stand too long or when you are under physical or mental stress.

Causes of Lumbar (Low Back) Pain

Low back pain can be caused by problems with any part of the lumbar spine.

Cervical Spine Problems

Your neck needs to be strong to hold up your head, which may weigh 10 pounds or more.

Common Spine and Disk Problems

The most common back problems occur when disks tear, bulge or rupture. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and other symptoms.

Understanding Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a problem that makes the spine curve and twist from side to side. It is most often found in girls in their early teens. But boys can have it, too.

How to Recover From a Back Injury

Back pain is something you don't want to repeat. Recovering properly from a back injury and taking preventive measures can help you reduce your risk of going through it again.

Back Pain: It May Not Be What You Think

Back pain can be caused by many illnesses and conditions, including stress or injury, being overweight, improper lifting, pregnancy, and diseases such as fibromyalgia and arthritis.