First, the numbers: patients with back pain spend about $7,000 a year on health care, while people without back pain spend about $4,000. Those surprising costs come from the New York Times, which also points out that most of those costs are paid for by health insurers, who, of course, get it back from all of us. Want more numbers? The Times reports that up to 80 percent of Americans experience back pain at some point in their lives, and each year 15 percent of all adults are treated for such problems as herniated discs, spinal stenosis or lumbar pain. Where does it start? Most back pain, experts say, starts with muscle or ligament strain or weakness, and most can be prevented by developing core strength and paying attention to our posture. Here, according to the Times, is how you know when you've got your posture down, or up: "Stand up and lift your chin slightly; align your ears over your shoulders and your shoulders over your hips. Place your hands on your hips and pitch forward about two inches. There should be a slight inward curve in your lower back, an outward curve in your upper back, and another inward curve at your neck. Maintain this posture and sit down."
Health, fitness and lifestyle tips for people over 50 who still like to play hard
Sunday, June 1, 2025