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within the next week I'll be an employee rather than a WWOOFer and I should be getting a stipend of about $150 a week + my housing + my food + beer.

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That's awesome you must be a good worker but don't let them take advantage of you.  Always put your own health first.  Some soreness in your back is normal, but if anything pops and starts to hurt in a not normal way, stop doing the labor.  Especially considering you're likely uninsured.  If the people you're working for don't understand your desire to take care of your body, get out of there.

Lots of people don't really know how to use their body properly, and they suffer because of it.  Doing labor can be a great way to learn how to use your muscles without damaging your body.  It is possible.  I am not saying don't work hard, just work smart as well.

If something is really heavy and difficult, use teamwork, don't be a tough guy.  Use proper lifting techniques.  It's not just as simple as "lift with your legs" but that is a big part of it.  At first it is very difficult to do things the right way, especially if you're not used to it, but once you build up the right muscles you'll be unstoppable.  If just your back is sore and not other parts of your body, you're probably doing something wrong.

Especially when you're tired this is important.  That when most people get hurt.  I'm not sure what type of work you're doing but it's always important to have your strength come from the core, have your ab muscles a little tense when you're doing hard work helps I find.  Bending you knees helps too, and try to keep your back straight as much as possible but not in a way that you have to strain your back.  A little curve in the spine is good, just don't be working doubled over, use your legs even if that feels unnatural at first.

They should teach you all this stuff on the job, but alot of places don't, so if you're really hurting you might need to do some research and improve your methods so that you're not in pain for the rest of your life for a really low-paying job.