In a recent issue of Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine (2016 January 11: 1-10) all available randomized trials to prevent low back pain were analyzed for what therapies were effective.  The authors reviewed over 6000 separate studies on this topic that included over 30,000 participants.  The therapies reviewed included insoles for shoes, days off from work (rest), back belts, education and exercise.

What is clear from this exhaustive review of the current literature on how to prevent low back pain that exercise, that is exercise prescribed by a knowledgeable personal trainer or physical therapist did the most to prevent low back pain.  In fact, guided exercise reduced low back pain by nearly 50% (41-74% range).  The rest of the strategies all did little to prevent low back pain.
This seems counterintuitive as many feel that they have more low back pain when they exercise.  The key factor in this analysis is that the exercises needed guidance on proper form and amount.

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