New Year’s Resolution:

Keep Your Back Healthy in 2006

When people think of exercise and working out, back muscles are probably low on the list of priorities. Visit any gym and you’ll see guys working on the bench press to pump up their pectorals and biceps. Many women use aerobics to stay thin and weights to tone muscles.

“The natural history of most back pain causes resolve themselves without any specific treatment, said Nayan R. Patel, M.D., a Texas Back Institute physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. “However, re-injury risk is higher and long-term risk is reduced with maintaining physical fitness (cardiovascular), ideal body weight and good body mechanics.”

Tips:

· Begin each session with light stretching of the major muscle groups – back, chest, shoulders, arms, trunk and legs.

· Try using the back extension machine and less press exercises to strengthen the back.

· Include abdominal exercises in your workout. Strong abdominal muscles support the back.

Discontinue any exercise if pain is felt in your lower back. While slight muscles discomfort is normal, your back pain should not increase with these exercises.

Texas Back Institute, Plano, Texas: As one of the nation's largest spine clinics, the Texas Back Institute is the expert in solutions for back pain. Founded in 1978, the Texas Back Institute has always recommended non-surgical treatments because we know they work best to relieve pain in most patients. The professional staff includes board-certified orthopedic surgeons with spine fellowship training, general surgeons, general medicine physicians, internists, chiropractors, physiatrists, pain specialists, exercise physiologists and a team of physical and occupational therapists. From non-operative spine care to surgery, the Texas Back Institute offers chiropractic care, diagnostic procedures, fitness services, pain management, patient education, physical therapy, research and return-to-work programs including work conditioning and work hardening. To learn more about the Texas Back Institute and to obtain free updates and helpful back tips, go to www.texasback.com or call 1-800-247-BACK. Texas Back Institute's main office in Plano, with offices in Denton, Fort Worth, Garland, Greenville, Hurst, Midland, TX and Phoenix, AZ. For additional information, visit the Texas Back Institute website at www.texasback.com

MEDIA CONTACT
For more information, contact Meredith Falke, (214) 891-7795 meredith_falke@richards.com

Consumer phone number: 1-800-247-BACK