Get Chores Done Without Making Your Pain Worse
Topic Overview
It's a sad fact: You have back pain and you also have housework to do, children to take care of, and errands to run.
When you can't find someone else to do a chore for you, keep in mind these important rules:
- Bend forward carefully. When you must bend forward to empty the dishwasher, pick up clothes, make the bed, or do other chores, bend carefully in a way that doesn't cause pain.
- When lifting, use your leg muscles and your stomach muscles to do most of the work. And keep whatever you're lifting as close to your body as you can.
- Try not to make any twisting movements. If you're dusting and need to turn, move your whole body in the direction you need to go instead of twisting.
- Take rest breaks. Don't do any one type of movement for too long without taking a break. And try to alternate chores so you're not doing the same movement (even with breaks) for a long time.
- Do it later. If it hurts too much to do the chore, put it off until you feel better.
Vacuuming |
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Making the bed |
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Housecleaning |
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Using the phone |
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Driving the car |
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In the bathroom |
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Washing dishes or ironing |
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Picking up children |
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Gardening |
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Unloading the groceries |
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Related Information
Credits
Current as of: March 2, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Joan Rigg PT, OCS - Physical Therapy
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Current as of: March 2, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Joan Rigg PT, OCS - Physical Therapy