How Much Do You Know About Your Back?

You probably take your back for granted—until it starts to hurt. Think about it—your back is a part of your body that's in nearly constant use. Whether you're sitting, standing, or moving, your back and its muscles are providing support all day, every day. Test your knowledge of the back by taking this quiz.

1. How many bones are in your spine?

A. 33B. 50C. 60D. 70

2. What position is best for your back when you sleep?

A. On your back B. On your stomach C. On one side D. On one side with the knees flexed toward the chest

3. Which of these sports can cause dangerous back injuries?

A. SoccerB. VolleyballC. RacquetballD. All of the above

4. How many Americans will suffer back pain at some time in their lives?

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

5. What is the average recovery time for low back pain?

A. 2 weeksB. 1 monthC. 3 monthsD. Indefinite period

6. Disks cushion vertebrae in the back. What are they made of?

A. BoneB. TendonsC. CartilageD. Muscle

7. Which of these is a significant risk factor for backache?

A. Being underweightB. Being overweightC. Being tallD. Being short

8. Which of these measures will help a backache?

A. Several days of bed restB. MassageC. Ice packD. B and C

9. How should you lift a heavy object?

A. Bend from the waistB. Squat, then liftC. Twist to set the object downD. Lock your knees

10. What are the warning signs of a herniated disk?

A. PainB. NumbnessC. Shooting back pain when you coughD. All of the above