Home About AllHealth Website Sitemap Contact Us
All Health 
You are here: Home > Injury > Prevention > Treat Your Back With Respect

 

Treat Your Back With Respect

Treat Your Back With Respect
18 February 2000 --

The best thing you can do for your back is to treat it with respect. And it's easy. Just follow this list of dos and dont's on back strain when carrying out everyday chores.

LIFTING

backpain1.gif (14984 bytes)

Do Don't
Bend your legs and not your back. Keep your spine as vertical as possible. If necessary, bend your knees. Keep loads close to your body. When load is heavy, seek HELP. Don't bend forward at the waist or twist while lifting heavy loads. Avoid holding load at arm's length. Don't lift load above shoulder level. These positions produce tremendous strain on the spine.



STANDING AND WALKING

backpain2.gif (18227 bytes)

Do Don't
Change standing position often. If you must stand for long periods, use a small footrest to shift your weight. Stand upright with head up and back straight. Walk with good posture, chin tucked in, head high and toes pointing forward. Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes. Don't stand too long in one position. Avoid bending over with legs straight. Don't walk slouching forward. Don't wear high heels when walking or standing for long periods.



DRIVING

backpain3.gif (12382 bytes)

Do Don't
Sit straight and move car seat forward so that the knees are in level with the hip. Support your lower back, use a rolled-up towel or lumbar support. Don't drive sitting too far back from the wheel. Stretching for the pedals and wheels produces strain.



SITTING

backpain4.gif (17960 bytes)

Do Don't

Support your back's "lumbar curve" to reduce pressure on spinal disks using a lumbar support or rolled-up towel. Your seat should be at a height that puts your thighs parallel to the floor.

Don't slump. Avoid sitting too far from your work or on a chair that's too high. Don't lean forward and arch your back



SLEEPING

backpain5.gif (19084 bytes)

Do Don't
Sleep on bed with firm, well spring mattress and base. When sleeping on your side, bend knees so that they touch the top of each other. If you sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees. Avoid sleeping on your stomach as it will cause swayback and back strain. Don't sleep or lounge on soft, non-supporting mattresses or cushions.



Reprinted with permission from Sanofi Synthelabo (S) Pte Ltd.

Date reviewed: 21 March, 2005


This website and article is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this website is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.  All Health and any associated parties do not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information.

 

Back Email a Friend View Printable Version Bookmark This Page

 

eknowhow | The World's Best Websites
    Privacy Policy and Disclaimer