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Bringing you the best health advice for your family

NHS Choices - Preventing a slipped disc

(06/08/2014)

To avoid back pain and help prevent a slipped disc, you should keep mobile, exercise regularly, maintain good posture and lift heavy objects correctly.

Exercise

Regular exercise can slow down the age-related deterioration of the discs in your back. It can also help keep your supporting back muscles strong and supple.

You should warm up and cool down properly before and after any workout or sports activity. Your warm up and cool down should incorporate stretching exercises.

If you are recovering from a slipped disc, avoid high-impact activities, such as running and aerobics.

Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight can put extra strain and pressure on your back, so maintaining a healthy weight will help ease the pressure.

Use the healthy weight calculator to find out whether you are a healthy weight for your height. Read more information about obesity and how to lose weight.

Lifting

It is very important that you use the correct technique when lifting. When lifting heavy objects, you should:

think before you lift and make sure you can manage the weight
slightly bend your back, hips and knees at the start of the lift
keep the load close to your waist
avoid twisting your back or leaning sideways
keep your head up and look ahead as you carry the load

Sitting

When sitting or driving for long periods, make sure your seat is comfortable and supportive. If possible, take regular breaks to stretch and walk around.

If your job involves using a computer, take regular breaks away from the computer screen. Make sure the computer screen is at eye level and directly in front of you so you do not have to twist or bend to see it.

Sit in a comfortable position with enough space to move around, and do not stay in the same position for too long.

Your employer should give you information about working with computers and provide advice about the best way to sit and position your equipment.

Posture

Always try to keep a good posture. Walk or stand with your head and shoulders slightly back.

When sitting at a desk, make sure your chair is the correct height for the desk. Your feet should be able to rest flat on the floor with your knees bent at 90 degrees.

Read more information about workplace health.

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Health Advice