Low back pain affects at least 80 percent of us at some time in our lives. It is the fifth-most common reason for all physician visits in the U.S., the most common cause of job-related disability and a leading contributor to missed work.

Most acute low back pain lasts between a few days to a few weeks. It is often the result of trauma to the lower back or a disorder such as arthritis. Symptoms may range from a muscle ache to shooting and stabbing pain, limited flexibility or an inability to stand straight. Treatment generally involves using analgesics, reducing inflammation, restoring proper function and strength to the back and preventing recurrence of the injury.

Early physical therapy has been shown to be very effective for treating acute low back pain by helping to reduce pain and restore function. Here are some other simple guidelines to help keep your back healthy:

1. Standing: Keep one foot forward and your knees slightly bent, which takes the pressure off your low back.

2. Sitting: Sit with your knees slightly higher than your hips to provide good low back support. Placing a rolled up towel behind your lower back can provide additional support and protection.

3. Reaching: Stand on a stable stool to reach things that are above shoulder height.

4. Moving heavy items: Pushing is easier on your back than pulling. Use your arms and legs to initiate the push. If you must move a heavy item, get someone to help you.

5. Lifting: Kneel down on one knee with the other foot flat on the floor as close as possible to the item you are lifting. Lift with your legs, not your back, and keep the object close to your body.

6. Carrying: If you must carry a heavy item, keep it as close to your body as possible.

7. Sleeping: Lying on your back puts a great deal of pressure on your lumbar spine. Putting a couple pillows under your knees can alleviate a lot of that pressure, but lying on your side with a pillow between your knees is also recommended.

8. Weight control: Additional weight puts a strain on your back. It is ideal to stay within 10 pounds of your target weight.

9. Quit smoking: Smokers are more prone to back pain than nonsmokers, because nicotine restricts the flow of blood to the discs that cushion your vertebrae.

10. Routine exercise: Maintaining a regular exercise routine can be beneficial. Increased leg and core strength can aid in helping to support the spine.

The symptoms of acute general low back pain should begin to resolve with conservative treatment within 72 hours. Please contact your medical provider if you continue to have significant symptoms 72 hours after treatment.

Jim Hlavacek MS, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist at The Rehabilitation Institute, 597 S. Enota Drive NE, Gainesville; 770-219-8200, www.nghs.com/rehab. His column appears monthly.