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.
But you
can protect your back by knowing the right way to go about such activities,
according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).
Consider
lifting. It doesn't matter whether you're picking up your child or a heavy
bucket of water, you need to do it the proper way to avoid injury.
How? Bend
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 suggest 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.
- Use
a cold pack if your back begins to hurt. Wrap an ice pack in a towel
moistened with warm water. The warmth gives way to gradual cold, which
likely will alleviate the discomfort. (No ice? Try frozen veggies instead.)
- 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 doctor of chiropractic. A doctor
of chiropractic is an expert in spinal health and can help identify and
treat your problem.
Dr. Huntoon has a single mission:
To support as many people as possible in their quest for health and enable them to improve and maintain their health to the highest level possible, while educating them about the benefits of Chiropractic, Natural Healthcare and Holistic Living, so they in turn can teach others to support us having a healthy community.
Your Choice
Health concerns are a major source of lost happiness and lost joy in all of our lives. Finding a solution that is agreeable and enables you to get back to your life is important. Please appreciate that you always have the more invasive surgery and prescription medication available to you as a last resort. What many Traditional Medical Doctors may not share is, many times, once you begin that journey into medication and/or surgery, it alters your original body from the one that you were born with. Unfortunately, at that time, more conservative and natural treatments may no longer be viable. I encourage you to consider that before making any decisions about treatment for your health. As always I am here to help.
Your Choice:
- Continue doing the same thing and nothing changes or it may get worse
OR
- Try something different and get a different result that makes you happier and healthier.
The Choice is Yours
Please call Dr. Huntoon at 845-561-BACK (2225) to discuss your options or click on our E-Visit to do it via e-mail.
Thank You for your consideration.