Sat, Nov 21 2009
|
Back pain can cramp most people’s style During National Save Your Back Week, learn how a few easy steps can help you avoid injury. Eddie GlennTahlequah Daily Press Some things to keep in mind during “National Save Your Back Week” – and really, anytime you use your back in a strenuous manner – include (according to www.chicagohealers.com):
• Hinge at the hips and bend your knees when lifting. You should be doing most of the work with your legs rather than with your back. Placing your feet shoulder-width apart will help you stay balanced. A wider stance can also help if you have difficulty bending your knees. • Tighten your stomach muscles before you lift. They help support and stabilize your back when you lift. • Keep objects close. A 10-pound bag of groceries can put 100 pounds of pressure on your lower back. Holding things away from your body greatly increases this pressure. • Pivot with your feet when lifting and moving objects. Turn your whole body instead of twisting your spine - especially if you are holding something heavy. Your nose should always be in-line with your toes. • When sitting, sit all the way back in the chair seat against the backrest. Let the chair do some of the work for you; no slumping! • Use a bookstand to elevate reading materials. Looking down puts a tremendous strain on the neck and upper back, so keep reading materials at eye-level. • Get as comfortable as you can in the car. Long commutes can be bad for your back. Adjust your seat and position your arms so that you can easily reach the steering wheel. Use a pillow in the seat if needed to support your lower back curve. Remember to stop to take stretch breaks when on a long trip. • Sleep on a firm mattress providing good support. Place a pillow under your knees when on your back, or between your knees if you are on your side. • Stay in good shape. Do daily stretches, exercise. And last, but not least, don’t carry pieces of mastodon leg around on your shoulders. Invent a wheel, and use a hand cart. 
More from the Features section
|
Print this story
Post to del.icio.us
 |
 |
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
 |
|
|
|
|
© 2007, Tahlequah Daily Press
106 W. Second Street; Tahlequah, OK 74464 (918) 456-8833 
|
Popular Business directory links - Tahlequah Apartments | Tahlequah Attorneys | Tahlequah Auto Dealers | Tahlequah Auto Parts | Tahlequah Auto Repair | Tahlequah Beauty Salons | Tahlequah Car Rental | Tahlequah Dentists | Tahlequah Doctors | Tahlequah Flowers | Tahlequah Hotels | Tahlequah Insurance | Tahlequah Loans | Tahlequah Mortgages | Tahlequah Movers | Tahlequah Pizza | Tahlequah Realtors | Tahlequah Restaurants | Tahlequah Storage | Tahlequah Tax Preparation | Tahlequah Travel | Tahlequah Featured | More...
|
|
Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc. • CNHI Classified Advertising Network • CNHI News Service |
