How Much Do You Know About Your Back?
You probably take your back for granted—until it starts to hurt. Think about it—your back is a part of your body that's in nearly constant use. Whether you're sitting, standing, or moving, your back and its muscles are providing support all day, every day. Test your knowledge of the back by taking this quiz.
1. How many bones are in your spine?
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There are 33 bones are in the spinal column, from the skull to the tailbone.
2. What position is best for your back when you sleep?
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The best position for sleeping is on 1 side with the knees flexed toward the chest.
3. Which of these sports can cause dangerous back injuries?
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Rough contact, twisting, and sudden movements in these sports can cause back injury.
4. How many Americans will suffer back pain at some time in their lives?
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Back pain is a frequent cause of short-term disability in people under age 45. Low back pain is the fifth leading reason that people visit their healthcare provider.
5. What is the average recovery time for low back pain?
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The average is 1 month, but it can take up to 6 weeks.
6. Disks cushion vertebrae in the back. What are they made of?
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Ligaments encase the disk.
7. Which of these is a significant risk factor for backache?
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Extra pounds strain muscles and joints.
8. Which of these measures will help a backache?
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Apply ice or a cold pack the first 48 hours, then treat with heat. A massage by a certified massage therapist can help release tension and ease soreness. Staying in bed for long periods of time can make a backache worse because your muscles become stiff.
9. How should you lift a heavy object?
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Keep the back straight and use your knees to lift.
10. What are the warning signs of a herniated disk?
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A herniated disk puts pressure on nerves resulting in pain. Herniated disks are most likely to occur in the low back.
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