Specific sports injuries: skiing and back pain How skiing causes back pain While skiing, back muscles are used to keep the body in the proper form and to carry heavy equipment Falling while skiing can jar, twist or otherwise stress the spine Preventing back pain and sports injuries from skiing Begin exercising to prepare for skiing at least six weeks before getting on the ski slopes Always take one warm-up run down the easiest hill each time you begin skiing Ski on slopes that fit within your ability level