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. 53B. 43C. 33D. 23

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

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

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

A. Poor postureB. Lifting a heavy objectC. Athletic strainD. Aging

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

A. Tight beltB. High heelsC. Too-tight braD. Shoulder bag

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

A. Leg weakness or numbnessB. Pain and stiffnessC. Difficulty controlling bowel or bladderD. A and C

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

A. No more than 2 daysB. 3 daysC. 5 daysD. 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 kneesB. Squat, then lift with your backC. Bend over from the waist and flex your knees as you liftD. 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. DiabetesB. Minute vertebral fracturesC. High blood pressureD. Hardening of the arteries

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

A. On your stomachB. On your backC. On your sideD. Any of the above

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

A. Wear a back beltB. Exercise regularlyC. Maintain a healthy weightD. B and C

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What Do You Know About Taking Care of Your Back?