Everyday we are faced with situations that may be damaging to our backs. According to the National Institutes of Health, back pain is the second-most common neurological ailment in the United States (headache is the most common). Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on low back pain, and it is the most common cause of job-related disability and a leading contributor to missed work.

The good news is that recurring back pain is often preventable if it results from improper body mechanics or other non-traumatic causes. At MORE's Back School, our experts teach you how to protect your back and become more aware of the habits and postures that can lead to problems. With this knowledge, you can prevent future back injury or keep a pre-existing condition from becoming worse.

At a Back School seminar, we teach you about

• the anatomy of your spine
• common spinal injuries
• how proper body mechanics can protect your back while you are sitting, standing, lifting, and doing household chores such as washing dishes, vacuuming, and gardening
• how you can make your home or office computer-related activities more ergonomic
• sleeping positions that are best for maintaining back health

Back School is interactive and participants are encouraged to ask questions relating to their own individual work, home, and recreational activities. Handouts are provided for review at home. To learn more about MORE’s Back School, contact Brita Hellman at 408-248-6886 or Brita@morephysicaltherapy.com.