Factors that increase the risk of back pain and injury

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The following factors may increase your risk for back pain.

Growing older
Being a man
Having a family history of back pain
Having children. Two or more full-term pregnancies triple a woman's risk of osteoporosis and potential collapse of the vertebrae.
Having a problem with your spine that has been present since birth (congenital)
Having a degenerative disease of the spine, such as osteoporosis or arthritis

Not exercising regularly
Sitting for long periods, lifting or pulling heavy objects, bending or twisting frequently, heavy physical exertion, repetitive motions, and exposure to constant vibration, such as from driving
Smoking. A smoker is twice as likely to have low back pain than a nonsmoker.
Being overweight (weighing more than 20% over your ideal body weight)
Having poor posture
Being under a lot of stress
Having a mental health problem, such as depression or severe anxiety
Having an illness or disease that causes chronic coughing

Running or jogging
Skiing and snowboarding
Sledding, snowmobiling, or tobogganing
Sports that require forceful twisting, such as gymnastics and wrestling
Contact sports, such as football or rugby
Work-related activities that require repeated lifting, bending, or twisting of the back

Credits

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Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Updated	August 28, 2007

Last updated:	August 28, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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