Did you know sweeping, mopping and vacuuming can irritate the lower back just as much as prolonged sitting?
The slightly flexed (bent) position and repetitive rotational movements involved with these simple activities of daily living can strain the discs, muscles and ligaments of the lumbar spine and pelvis.
Tips to ensure you don’t end up with a low back strain from these seemingly trivial activities:
- Hire someone else to do it professionally
- Invest in a blower-vac for the garden (throw out those old rakes and brooms)
- Break up the routine; have a 30 second “stand-up straight” break for every 5 min of sweeping, mopping or vacuuming
If you do find your lower back is sore after these tasks, try lying down on your back with 3-4 pillows under your knees to help decompress the lumbar (lower) spine. If that doesn’t help, seek advice from your Chiropractor, Physio, or Osteopath.