It sucks to have knowledge of what back pain is.
I know very little, but I know about back pain and now, unfortunately, neuromuscular disease.
Ive had 2 disketomies back in the mid 90s.
All the machines and devices used for lifting are excellent ideas.
Having wheels under anything you need to move instead of carrying is good also.
Dont forget the 99 cent magnetic wand. A very used tool in my shop.
Bending to pick up screws or tools that fall can take its toll.Learn how to lift properly.
Your back is not nice to you if youre not nice to it.
You may be able to work all day with just a little pain, maybe drop some advil, loose enough to work, but, and this is usually always the case, your back will repay you later that night or the next morning. It doesnt forget.
Its impossible to woodwork and not bend or twist or lift.
Prevention and knowing the warning signs of strain will keep you straight and in the shop. Ignoring the warning signs and trying to push through some mild pain will usually put you into bed the next day.(or you will be doing the crooked mans walk)
As soon as you feel that little twinge, it is your back telling you its had enough. Stop. REst right then. Dont wait.
If you are someone who suffers alot with lower back pain, before you do anything in the morning, get a list of back stretching excercises and do them religiously every day. Youd be amazed how 10 minutes of back stretching in the morning will save you weeks of agony. You may think the 10 minutes is silly and a waste of time, but you obviously havent suffered a herniated disk or bulging disk. Once that hot dagger is stuck into your butt cheek and twisted around till you want to jump out of your skin, youll hate yourself for not doing a few stretching excercises. Been there, done that.
I will be working long amounts of time on the planer and jointer and tablesaw the next couple of months making many parts for chairs. Its tedious, and often that kind of work can aggrevate your back. Its important to stop every 30 minutes or so, walk around, stretch, relax, anything that eases the muscles so you dont tighten up.
I have limited feeling in my left foot and toes due to a herniated disk that fragmented and cut into the leg nerve. Nerves sometimes never heal. I still feel unsteady on stairs or climbing a ladder.
Listen to your back.