Back injury is largely preventable, and, if you catch it early, before it develops into something more problematic, easy to cure too. The unique thing about back pain is we don't always know which particular structure [is injured], like when you rupture an ACL in your knee we can clearly diagnose that particular ligament and attack that part of the injury. With lower backs it can be a little more difficult to pinpoint the tissue that's causing the problem: ligaments, discs, bone, muscle, tendons — all those things can cause back pain.

Preventive exercises are typically not exercises people do in a gym. There are a few other things besides core strengthening and lifting properly that can lead to good back health:

• Quit smoking. "Chronic smokers have increased healing time and impaired tissue quality because of the blood flow and the nicotine and chemicals in the body."

• Lose excess weight. "Obesity contributes to low back pain."

• Eat properly. Proper nutrition is necessary for back health. "Making sure you are taking in enough calcium for bone structure [and] protein for muscle structure, all those things are important."

• Get some regular exercise. "If you're someone who sits all day at a computer vs. someone who's on his feet walking, moving, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to instances of back injury, typically because you cause imbalances, weakness and tight muscle from sitting in a particular position."

• Maintain good posture. "Sitting in a sustained [bad] posture for eight hours a day, five days a week for 10 years, 12 years — your body does accommodate in a bad way."