You could be putting your back in danger in ways that you may not even imagine. From the moment you wake up to the moment you go to bed, there are overlooked actions that don’t necessarily pose an instant hazard but over the course of time could end up being fairly detrimental to your health.
We came across a new report out of Delaware that highlights some of the ways that seniors can go about avoiding damage to their back, as well as some of the therapies they could pursue to get better once an injury sets in. What we’d like to do is go into some of the other overlooked actions that can cause back pain among that demographic, as circumventing these movements will protect you from harm.
First, be more aware of how you sit at all times, but be particularly cognizant when you’re sitting in your car. Whereas at home you might be able to sit back in a recliner and at work you could benefit from a chair that offers lumbar support, the car you drive won’t necessarily be set up for good back health.
You can help yourself by simply positioning your seat in a manner conducive to good posture. If you have to hunch over the steering wheel, the seat is too close, and if you have to lean back to stretch your legs to the pedals, you’re too far back. Strive for a middle ground that lets you comfortably reach the pedals while keeping your back straight. Try not to tilt the seatback forward or backward too much, as this tends to breed poor posture that will cause pain over time.
While you may not be inclined to lift heavy loads regularly, there’s one heavy, awkward load that often goes overlooked among seniors: grandchildren. Don’t laugh; picking up a child, even a baby, can place strain on a person’s back if they’re not lifting in the right way. And considering that a wiggly kid may not be exactly accommodating to the grandparent doing the lifting, the wrong twist can cause serious pain.
If you’re not confident in your ability to carry a grandchild, then avoid doing so. And if you are carrying a child, make sure that you’re being careful and taking weight off your back whenever possible.
Whenever you clean the house, make sure to minimize any bending motions that could lead to your back suddenly being thrown out. Instead, bend your knees and bring your entire body down to a lower level if you have to clean hard-to-reach places. And if you’re not sure that you can comfortably reach somewhere up high, get a stepstool or some tool that has an extender on it.
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