What Do You Know About Taking Care of Your Back?

Oh, my aching back! Back pain is one of the most common complaints patients bring to the doctor's office. But how serious is it? Take this quiz and see how much you know about back care.

1. How many vertebrae are in the spinal column?

A. 53 B. 43 C. 33 D. 23

2. How many Americans will experience back pain in their lifetime?

A. 1 of 2 B. 1 of 3 C. 3 of 5 D. 4 of 5

3. What's the most common cause of backaches?

A. Poor posture B. Lifting a heavy object C. Athletic strain D. Aging

4. Which article of women's clothing stresses the back the most?

A. Tight belt B. High heels C. Too-tight bra D. Shoulder bag

5. Which of these symptoms may indicate a serious back strain or injury?

A. Leg weakness or numbness B. Pain and stiffness C. Difficulty controlling bowel or bladder D. A and C

6. How long should you rest in bed if you experience back pain?

A. No more than 2 days B. 3 days C. 5 days D. No more than 7 days

7. Which of these is the proper way to avoid straining your back when you lift a heavy object?

A. Squat, then lift with your knees B. Squat, then lift with your back C. Bend over from the waist and flex your knees as you lift D. Bend over from the waist and keep your knees straight as you lift

8. An older woman who experiences localized back pain may be suffering from which of these?

A. Diabetes B. Minute vertebral fractures C. High blood pressure D. Hardening of the arteries

9. Which position rests your back best when you sleep?

A. On your stomach B. On your back C. On your side D. Any of the above

10. What's the best way to prevent lower-back pain?

A. Wear a back belt B. Exercise regularly C. Maintain a healthy weight D. B and C