Maintaining a Healthy Back
Last Updated: October 4, 2023 12:37:49 PM PDT
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Protect your back from overuse and injury, whether you're lifting heavy objects, bending over, or spending most of the day sitting in a chair.
Approximately 8 out of 10 Americans experience back injuries during their lives, most from improper lifting. For every back injury that occurs on the job, more than twice as many happen at home or in recreational activities.
Your back is a complex system of bones, discs, muscles, and nerves. Help yourself to a healthy back by learning about and practicing good body mechanics.
Get training
- Complete the Maintaining a Healthy Back (login required) eCourse on UC Learning Center.
- See Ergonomic Training Resources for more options.
Prevent back injuries
- Practice proper lifting techniques
- Exercise to strengthen your back muscles
- Practice good posture
- Eliminate excess body weight
- Stretch to refresh muscles and nerves
Learn more
- A Back Injury Prevention Guide for Health Care Providers (PDF)
- Back Exercises — Making Your Back Work for You (PDF)
- 15 Ways to Save Your Back (PDF)
- 50 Things You Can Do To Save Your Back (PDF)
Campus Funded employees contact EH&S Ergo Team.
For UCSD Health or Medical Center-Funded Employees, please visit UCSD Health Ergonomic Evaluation Request or contact injuryprevention@health.ucsd.edu if you have questions.
Notice: Ergonomics information, training, and services are intended exclusively for UC San Diego employees and affiliates.