Spring is a time of renewal and fresh beginnings, which often means it’s time to do a deep cleaning of your home. Unfortunately, spring cleaning can take a toll on your back if you’re not careful! Luckily, there are some easy ways to protect your back while doing the necessary chores.
Here are seven tips for protecting your back while spring cleaning:
Stretch Before You Start
This might seem obvious, but it’s important! Stretching beforehand can protect your back and reduce the risk of developing a spring cleaning injury. Stretching helps get your muscles warm and ready for the task ahead. Take 10 minutes before you begin for some simple stretches to loosen up your back muscles.
Take Breaks to Protect Your Back
It may be tempting to power through all cleaning tasks in one go, but taking breaks is essential to avoid post-cleaning soreness or injury. Give yourself a few minutes every hour to rest and relax—you might even want to lie down on a heated massage pad or use an ice pack on any sore spots that have developed during cleaning.
Lift Properly
Carrying heavy items is inevitable when it comes to spring cleaning, but make sure you lift properly to protect your back! Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and bend at the knees as you lift (not from your waist). Don’t even think about lifting anything over 25-30 pounds – if something is too heavy, ask for help!
Protect Your Back with Reacher Tools
Trying to clean on top shelves or in hard-to-reach places? Invest in a reacher tool! Reacher tools are long pole-like devices with grabbers at the end that allow you to reach high places without physically straining yourself.
Wear Supportive Shoes
Many people don’t realize how important it is to wear supportive shoes while doing chores around the house — this holds especially true when it comes to spring cleaning. Wearing shoes with good arch support helps align your spine and reduces stress on your lower body joints. This can also help protect your back. Avoid wearing flip-flops or slides since they provide no support and can easily get caught on things.
Proper Posture to Protect Your Back
Even something as simple as using proper posture when doing household chores can prevent back pain and discomfort later. Stand tall with your shoulders pulled back and chest forward (as if there was an invisible string pulling from above). This will help ensure you don’t slouch throughout the day, which can lead to aches and pains!
Get Help
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed! It’s better to protect your back than risk an injury because you tried tackling a task that was too much for one person to handle. Don’t hesitate to recruit family members or friends who can lend an extra hand wherever needed.
A Safe Spring Cleaning
With these seven tips to protect your back, safely completing those necessary chores should be easier than ever, and maybe even enjoyable! You’ll thank yourself come summertime when you’re feeling healthy and happy without lingering pains from spring cleaning days!
And if you’ve accidentally hurt yourself while spring cleaning, don’t feel defeated. Schedule an appointment with our chiropractic experts. We’ll help pinpoint the issue and get you on your way to relief.
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