The back is a pretty complicated part of the body in terms of bone structure, muscles, and nerves, and this of course means that it is an area of your body where a lot of different things can go wrong. 

Back pain can be really debilitating, and can affect your mobility, make it difficult to get comfortable and sleep, and even prevent you from doing some things you used to enjoy. 

Back pain caused by issues with the spinal discs, such as herniated or slipped discs, or disc desiccation (look on this site for information about desiccation meaning and the specifics of this condition) are very common, and while they are associated with ageing, herniated discs are actually most common between the ages of 30 and 50, and not entirely rare in people in their twenties. This means that you should already be beginning to think about keeping your back healthy, whatever your age.

Here are some tips:

Being overweight causes more compression in the lower back and can be a contributor to back pain. Many people find their symptoms lessen, or even reverse, if they reduce their weight, and by keeping yourself at a healthy weight you can avoid degeneration of the spinal discs as you age, too. Another factor in some cases is that overweight people tend to be less active and fit, and this means the muscles that support the torso and keep the spine and other structures supported and in place are weaker and less effective at maintaining the right posture for good spinal health. This means if you are going to up your exercise to help with weight loss, it is wise to include some exercises that strengthen your core.

When you sit, stand and walk, you may have bad postural habits that affect your spine’s position and can lead to degeneration and friction. This can also be the result of using furniture or car seats that aren’t properly set up to keep you in the right position. Take a look at your posture and find out if you have any significant defects or bad habits, and work to fix these. It will be better for your back, but will also make you look taller and slimmer, and improve your form when you exercise.

Massage can help a lot of if you are experiencing early signs of back pain and is also good for keeping your back in general good health. By relaxing the muscles in your back, neck and shoulders and addressing any tight spots or trigger points in them, you can help your back feel more comfortable and mobile, and also enjoy other benefits like improved circulation. If you can’t afford professional massages, consider self-massage using foam rollers.

These are all things that can make a big difference to your back, both now and in the future as you age.