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 you lift, use your leg and stomach muscles.
Try to have these muscles do all the work. And keep whatever you lift 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 switch between 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.
Tips for protecting your back while doing housework
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Household chore
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Tips
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Vacuuming
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- Instead of pushing and pulling the vacuum back and forth, walk it all the way across the room and back. Stand up straight as you move.
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Making the bed
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- Instead of using several layers of sheets and blankets, use a duvet or a washable bedspread. Then there's only one layer to straighten up in the morning.
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Housecleaning
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- Don't strain to reach. Try using a damp cloth on the end of a broomstick to reach low places. Or try mops and other tools that have expandable arms.
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Using the phone
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- Don't cradle the phone between your ear and your shoulder, not even for a little while.
- If you can't hold on to the phone because you're doing something with your hands, hang up and call back later. Or think about trying a hands-free phone.
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Driving the car
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- When you get in, sit first. Then turn so that you bring both legs into the car together. When you get out, do the reverse.
- Pull your seat forward so that you can comfortably reach the pedals and the steering wheel. Your knees should be bent so that you don't have to lift your whole leg to step on the brake.
- You may find driving more comfortable with a small pillow or rolled-up towel behind your lower back.
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In the bathroom
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- Having support bars in the bathtub and around the toilet can help you put less strain on your back as you get in and out or up and down.
- If you shave your legs, put a small stool in the shower so you have somewhere to put your feet.
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Washing dishes or ironing
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- For chores that require you to stand in one place, you might feel better with one foot slightly higher than the other.
- When you do dishes, open the cupboard below and place your foot on the ledge.
- When you iron, stack one or two books on the floor and put one foot on them. Remember to squat when you put those books on the floor.
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Picking up children
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- Try to avoid picking up children while you're standing up. If you must, remember to lift properly.
- Better yet, find a place to sit down, and let the child come into your lap.
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Gardening
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- Many gardening chores usually require bending forward. Whenever you can, sit, squat, or get on your knees instead.
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Unloading the groceries
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- Taking in all the groceries at once may save time, but it won't help your back. Just think of the extra exercise you'll get by making several trips between the car and the kitchen.
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Credits
Current as of:
November 9, 2022
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
