Healthy Living: Low back tension

You don't have to be in a car accident to have low back tension. According to the experts even the way you stand, could create problems.

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Physical therapist Mike Cudahey knows his stuff when it comes to aching body parts.

"The most common thing we see in adults is the basic complaint of low back pain. It doesn't necessarily that is pain traveling down your leg it's basically dull ache in the small of your back," said Cudahey .

It's hard to believe you can get back aches while just sitting.. but its true, especially if you don't get up and stretch every so often.

"We see this a lot in sedentary type of worker, sitting at the computer station and also seeing in warehouse workers with a lot of repetitive bending and lifting," Cudahey said.

When working at a desk, keep your shoulders aligned and don't slouch.

"When you are sitting you want to bring your chair right up to your desk and tighten up your abdominal muscles and flatten out your lower back occasionally throughout the day," said Cudahey .

Lifting with your back is another way to hurt yourself.

"Use proper body mechanics. Whether you are lifting or bending, your knees, keep back straight, lift with your legs," Cudahey recommends .

Situps will help build core strength which then helps the back.. stronger abdominals help support the spine, but do it correctly.

Lie on a firm surface, knees bent, raise your body up until your fingers reach the top of your knees, hold for five seconds and repeat.

"Walking is the best exercise to help combat low back pain, it's great exercise, helps to gain flexibility in muscles in your lower back and legs, " said Cudahey .

Whether or not you are outside walking or indoors on a treadmill, walking is not that complicated. The biggest thing you keep in mind is your posture, keeping it straight, align with your ears, your shoulder along down to your hips.

"The best thing you can do is get out and walk. The motion helps stimulate lubrication in the joints," said Cudahey .