Don't Let Spring Cleaning Be a Pain in Your Back!

Spring Cleaning 101

Household chores can be a pain in the sacroiliac. Unless you're careful, routine activities around the home— washing dishes, vacuuming, even talking on the phone— can strain your back, including the sacroiliac area near the tailbone, and result in debilitating discomfort.

According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), however, you can protect your back by knowing the right way to approach such activities.

The first step is getting your chiropractic adjustment before you start heavy cleaning. This will properly align your spine and help reduce any strain on your back or neck. It is also a good idea to get an adjustment after heavy cleaning to correct misalignments.

Keep in mind how you are lifting. Whether you're picking up your child or a heavy bucket of water, you need to do it the proper way to avoid injury.  Start by bending from the knees, not the waist. As you lift, hold the item as close to your body as possible. If you have to turn to place it, step in the direction of the turn. That way, you're not twisting your body and straining your spine.

Back-Saving Tips

The American Chiropractic Association suggests the following do's and don'ts for chores and relaxation:

• When you wash dishes, open the cabinet beneath the sink, bend one knee and put your foot on the shelf under the sink. Lean against the counter so some of your weight is supported in front.
• When ironing, raise one foot a bit. Place it on a small stool or a book to take some strain off your back.
• To vacuum, use a "fencer's stance." Put all your weight on one foot, then step forward and back with the other foot as you push the vacuum forward and back. Use the back foot as a pivot when you turn.
• While talking on the phone, don't cradle the phone between your ear and shoulder. That can lock up the spinal joints in the neck and upper back, and cause pain. Instead, hold the phone with your hand or use the speakerphone.
• While watching television or relaxing, don't use the sofa arm as a pillow. The angle is much too sharp for your neck.
• If your back begins to hurt, use a cold pack. Wrap the cold pack with a paper towel to prevent skin burning— you can ice for 20 minutes each time. 
• If pain persists for more than a day or two or if you experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs, see a Dr. Shoemaker or Dr. Nathan. A chiropractor is an expert in spinal health and can help identify and treat your problem.

Interested In Becoming A Patient?

The doctors at Clairpointe Family Chiropractic have treated all types of injuries and can offer injury prevention tips during your adjustment. To request an appointment, visit our website at www.clairpointe.com/appointment or call our office at (313) 886-8030. We look forward to meeting you!