1. Don't Slump Over Your Desk -- When sitting in your office chair, use the same good posture techniques you would use while standing. Because many of us spend hours each day sitting down, it’s critical that you maintain good posture and support your back. Choose a quality chair that provides firm support in the lower back area, and make sure your knees are a little higher than your hips when you sit.

2. Straighten Up -- Good posture isn't just a way to look more proper. It protects the intricate pieces of your spine to keep them functioning and healthy. Bad posture puts strain and stress on the back and can actually change the architecture of the spine itself. Avoid rounding your shoulders, slouching, or bending sideways while standing.

3. Change Your Shoes -- Comfortable, low-heeled shoes are best bets for back pain prevention. They reduce the strain on the back while standing. Sorry, ladies: pumps with less than a 1-inch heel are the best bet for your back.

4. Mingle -- Whether you are at an office party or a bar for happy hour, avoid sitting in an awkward position or standing in one place. Move around the room instead. This prevents pressure on the spine, which can be a result of standing in one place for too long.

5. Lighten Your Load -- Back pain is frequently caused by improper or heavy lifting, but it doesn't only happen to those lifting heavy boxes on the job. Carrying a bulky laptop bag, suitcase, camera, or load of groceries could also cause a strain on the back. Whenever possible, take some weight off your shoulders by carrying less, distributing the weight to both sides of the body, or shifting the weight from shoulder to shoulder. Consider using a rolling cart or bag with wheels for heavier loads like bags of groceries or boxes of files.  

6. Standing, sitting, or lying down in one place for an extended amount of time may be a necessary part of life but it’s not healthy for your back. Relieve the strain of the day whenever you can by getting up, walking around, and doing some simple stretches. This will help keep the blood flowing through the bones and muscles of your back. It will also ease away any strains or aches caused by inactivity.