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My father developed degenerative arthritis in his spine as he got older. Is there anything I can do to avoid the same fate?

answer:
There’s one surefire method: Bend at your knees,
not at your waist, when you lift heavy objects. “Most people bend at the waist, which places undue stress on the lower vertebrae and disks,” says Ellis Friedman, M.D., author of Outwitting Back Pain. “Over time, the edges of the vertebrae grow larger to spread that stress across a greater surface area.” The result is degenerative arthritis.

Proper technique also entails keeping your body straight and taking a deep breath as you lift. “The deep breath will tighten your stomach muscles and increase the force on your abdominal cavity,” says Friedman. “In effect, you’ll be turning your torso into a hydraulic cylinder, which will take some of the weight and pressure off your spine.” For added insurance, Friedman recommends strengthening your abdominal and lower-back muscles.

More info : Arthritis Help