As the new season approaches, many people in Webster, Texas, are getting ready to begin their yearly spring cleaning tasks. However, a simple spring cleaning becomes much more difficult for those dealing with back pain. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we know that back pain can be extremely frustrating when it holds you back from important tasks, so we’ve laid out some tips that will help you get your cleaning done while leaving your back pain-free:
- Enlist the Help of a Friend
You don’t have to take on major cleaning jobs alone. Enlist a friend to help share the work. Not only does this make the work go by faster, it can also prove helpful when it comes time to clean any hard-to-reach areas that require a ladder. According to the American Journal of Epidemiology, climbing ladders is one of the highest-risk activities that can cause back pain (1), so ask a friend for help with the ladder to avoid a trip to your nearest hospital in Webster.
- Stretch Before Cleaning
Although we may not view it as its own workout, cleaning is still a form of physical activity, and our orthopedic hospital recommends stretching beforehand to help alleviate back pain. According to the Group Health Research Institute, stretching has shown to be effective in reducing chronic low back pain (2). Begin stretching at the head and neck, and slowly work down through the spine and legs.
- Practice Proper Lifting Techniques
Sometimes, spring cleaning requires moving heavy objects from one part of the house to another. Before you begin lifting, make sure you are using proper techniques to avoid any potential back problems. To place the least amount of stress on your back, The Official Journal of the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors recommends lifting heavy weight with the strength of your legs (3).
- Be Aware of Your Body
Be sure to remain aware of how your body is feeling during your spring cleaning. If you notice any pain during your task, immediately stop what you are doing and take a rest. Continuing to “push through” the pain will only lead to further back problems down the road. In fact, the medical journal Annals of Medicine cites that 60% of back pain patients point to overexertion as the cause of their injury (4). Taking a break when you first notice pain can help debilitating injuries from occurring. If your pain persists for a few days, you may want to head to Webster’s leading orthopedic hospital, Houston Physicians’ Hospital to rule out any serious issues.
- Divide Up the Work
Your spring cleaning may be a bit more work than your back can handle in one day. Break up any major tasks so they are completed over the course of a few days to avoid overworking your spine. According to the Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, the prevalence of back pain increases as the number of working hours increased (5), so don’t be afraid to spend a few extra days on spring cleaning for the sake of your spine.
Spring cleaning is a much-needed task for many Webster, Texas, residents and can feel like an overwhelming challenge for those with back pain. These tips can help you get your cleaning done without the worry of irritating your back pain. If your back pain is routinely interfering with your everyday life, it’s time to seek the help of a leading orthopedic hospital in the Webster area. Give Houston Physicians’ Hospital’s Spine Solutions Center a call at 832-340-2134.