The best preventive maintenance for backs is regular, gentle specific back exercises (I have a whole book full of them!- or Google). They serve to keep the spine flexible and all the surrounding muscles strong.
And also care with lifting etc., of course.
Tinks, pilates is really good for building up lower back strength. I'd phone both a chiropractor and an osteopath just to see what they say - that won't cost you anything. But definitely give pilates a try - it's really helped with my back problems. Good luck with the job. x
Thanks!!! Groupon has offered deals recently for chiros so was tempted! I get pain occasionally almost enough to take painkillers but not quite- so nothing too bad but want to avoid anything serious x
my fil has a back excrsiser looks like torture but bloomin works i us it each time we go up and flood for a few days (prolapsed discs in my lower back).