* Maintain a healthy diet and weight
* Quit smoking to ensure that maximum oxygen and nutrient amounts reach spinal tissues
* Make maintaining chiropractic care a priority and part of your wellness lifestyle
* Be active, avoid living a sedentary lifestyle
* Maintain proper posture
* Wear properly fitted shoes
* Warm up and stretch before all physical activities, including fall yard work and raking leaves
* Lift with your knees, with objects close to your body (especially those heavy pumpkins)
* Avoid twisting when lifting
* Talk to Dr. Kirkpatrick or Dr. Stewart about creating an ergonomically correct workstation
* STAY HYDRATED