As someone after a spine surgery, I can't agree more. I have a tendency for discs to slip. The only way I can treat it is core exercises, 4+ times a week for up to 1 hour. While I now look impressive with shirt off, the sheer monotony of these exercises stinks, and it doesn't remove the problem completely. I'm like a cockroach now - I can only rely on my exoskeleton.

If I knew these exercises before the operation, I could have prevented it. Leading a healthy life, proper posture when sitting, physical exercise (for spine - especially swimming) are extremely important in the long run. Your spine degrades with time, load and improper posture. Sitting in general is unhealthy. Humans didn't evolve for sitting. I'm more comfortable lying or walking. People ask me to sit trying to be polite, but it really makes me less comfortable.