Get Chores Done Without Making Your Pain Worse

Overview

It's a sad fact: You have back pain, and you also have housework to do, children to take care of, and errands to run.

When you can't find someone else to do a chore for you, keep in mind these important rules.

• Bend forward carefully.

  When you must bend forward to empty the dishwasher, pick up clothes, make the bed, or do other chores, bend carefully in a way that doesn't cause pain.

• When you lift, use your leg and stomach muscles.

  Try to have these muscles do all the work. And keep whatever you lift as close to your body as you can.

• Try not to make any twisting movements.

  If you're dusting and need to turn, move your whole body in the direction you need to go instead of twisting.

• Take rest breaks.

  Don't do any one type of movement for too long without taking a break. And try to switch between chores so you're not doing the same movement (even with breaks) for a long time.

• Do it later.

  If it hurts too much to do the chore, put it off until you feel better.