BackFacts

Work-related back injuries are the country's number one occupational hazard. Two percent of the nation's workforce, (450,000 people), sustain back injuries each year.
The total cost of back injury disabilities is between $30 billion and $60 billion annually.
For 85% of back pain sufferers, the primary site of back pain is the lower back.
80% of Americans will suffer some kind of back pain in their lives.
Back pain is the second most common medical complaint, after the common cold.
Back injuries cause 100 million lost days of work annually.
More than 250,000 Americans are paralyzed each year as a result of injury or disease to the spinal cord. More than 5% of these injuries are the result of diving accidents.
Bending and lifting is the number one cause of serious back problems.
Statistics show that only 25% of the injured workers who stay away from work due to a back injury disability return to work after 52 weeks. After two years, with the same disability, the return rate is zero.

How To Prevent Serious Back Problems

Forty percent more weight is placed on the spine when you are sitting as opposed to standing
Choose a chair with a back rest that offers good low back, waistline or beltline support. Feet should be flat on the floor. Knees should be level with the hips. Do not remain in the same position for an extended period of time. Frequently change the way you sit or stand.
Always bend at your hips. not at your waist, especially while executing common movements such as getting in and out of a chair or bending to tie a shoe.
When lifting, keep objects close to the body. The further away the objects are form the center of point of gravity, the more the load increases on the spine.
If lifting heavy boxes, keep them stored at waist and shoulder level. This prevents you from bending over or reaching too high.
When twisting or turning, keep the hips and shoulders in line. Pivot your feet in the direction your are turning, and keep your abdominal muscles tight.