Spring cleaning can be an opportunity to declutter and refresh your living space, but it’s essential to take precautions to avoid injury. Here are six tips to prevent back and neck pain while cleaning.
1. Warm-up
Before starting any cleaning tasks, warm up your body with light exercises, such as stretching, to prepare your muscles for physical activity.
2. Use proper lifting techniques
When lifting heavy things, use your legs instead of your back. Hold the object close to your body to reduce the strain on your back.
3. Take frequent breaks
Prolonged standing or bending can strain your back and neck. Take breaks every 20-30 minutes to stretch, walk, or change positions.
4. Use ergonomic cleaning tools
Look for cleaning tools that reduce strain on your back and neck, such as lightweight vacuums or mops with adjustable handles.
5. Maintain good posture
Whether standing or sitting, maintain good posture by keeping your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and feet flat on the ground.
6. Be mindful of your movements
Pay attention to your body movements while cleaning. Avoid twisting your body by pivoting your feet to turn, reducing the strain on your back and neck.
Following these tips can prevent injuries while cleaning and make the most of your spring cleaning efforts. Check out this infographic for more advice, and if you are experiencing persistent pain or discomfort, call us.
Chiropractic is Effective for Lumbar Disc Herniations vs Surgery
Lumbar disc herniations that often result in low back pain along with sciatica – nerve pain extending down the legs – are commonplace in many adults which can lead to significant pain and disability. Two of the more common treatments are chiropractic care and surgery for the disc, known as a discectomy. Many disc herniation sufferers are torn between knowing what the best treatment for their symptoms is.
A recent study showed that patients that began with chiropractic care for a newly diagnosed disc herniation with nerve symptoms had significantly reduced odds of having discectomy surgery even after two years from their initial diagnosis. Not only does chiropractic care provide significant pain relief for new injuries but those benefits are still seen after 2 years!
Trager RJ, Daniels CJ, Perez JA, et al ‘Association between chiropractic spinal manipulation and lumbar discectomy in adults with lumbar disc herniation and radiculopathy: retrospective cohort study using United States’ data BMJ Open 2022;12:e068262. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068262
Comments