Do you know about your back?

If you have ever said, "Oh, my aching back!" you are in good company. About 90 percent of Americans will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives.

Knowing facts about your back could keep you from injury or help your aching back feel better.

* An inactive lifestyle is one of the main causes of back injuries. Inactivity weakens key muscles increasing your risk.

* Only about one in six back problems starts with heavy lifting. Weak muscles are more often the cause.

* Strength training and aerobic exercise are among the most effective treatments for back pain. Do exercises that don't make the pain worse.

* Only one in 20 back problems require surgery. Always get a second opinion before opting for surgery.

* Doctors quoted in Prevention say the old advice about sleeping on a hard mattress doesn't apply. Sleep on a mattress with a little more cushioning.

* Most episodes of back pain clear up within a month.