Use a long leash when walking your dog to avoid back pain

For any dog owner with back problems it's important that the dog stays by your side, rather than racing ahead and forcing you to pull it back. Photo: dpa

For all its benefits, dog-walking can have at least one major health disadvantage: back trouble. On the one hand, a four-legged friend ensures the owner goes for regular walks, which helps strengthen the small of the back, where the spin curves in.

On the other, eager dogs can often pull on the owner's back and cause injury, says orthopaedic surgeon Dr Reinhard Schneiderhan. That's why it's important to make sure the dog’s leash is long enough to avoid strain.