8 Everyday Activities That Can Damage Your Spine
Image: Shutterstock
Feeling that ache running down your spine and radiating to your back? You must be wondering how you got it. After all, you didn’t lift anything heavy in the last few days, didn’t practice any crazy dance moves in front of the mirror and weren’t even trying to show off your awesome skills at sports! Then, how did this terrible ache happen?
It happened because you were doing your daily chores all wrong! Blinking your eyes at what you just read in confusion? It’s still actually true, though. The way you do everyday things can damage your spine. What are these activities and how can you fix them? We’ve got the answers to all of your questions!
1. The Way You Brush Your Teeth
Bending over the basin while brushing your teeth is terribly wrong. When you’re on your feet, the pressure applied on your spine becomes automatically higher than say, when you are walking. If you bend on top of that, this pressure increases. You need to reduce this pressure, especially if you have to stand for hours in a day.
The right way to do it: While brushing your teeth, make sure to stand straight. Place a hand on the wall to lean if you have to with the other hand free.
2. The Way You Wash The Dishes
You may not have noticed, but while washing the dishes, you generally stand in a semi-bent position, applying a lot of pressure on both your arms and your spine. This position can wear out the intervertebral discs of your spine, which are situated in the thoracic section, and consequently lead to aching in the area between your shoulder blades.
The right way to do it: You must place a knee-level stool or chair under your left knee while washing dishes. This will dramatically reduce the pressure on your spine.
3. The Way You Change The Wheel Of Your Car
Partially squatting as if you are sitting on a make-believe chair is hardly the ideal position to be in while you are changing the tire of your car. Such a position can give rise to a bad case of back pain throughout the day.
The right way to do it: When changing the wheel of your car, do not get into the semi-squatting position. Sit on your knees on the ground next to the wheel so that you are at par with the fender of your car.
4. The Way You Carry Shopping Bags
Yes, shopping bags can cost you five bucks more, but that doesn’t mean you ask the cashier to forcefully stuff everything in one bag. Walking with that one bag in one of your hands can tremendously strain the lower portion of your spine. It will be smarter to spend those extra five bucks and get another bag.
The right way to do it: If your shopping bag is heavy (above 2 kg for women and 5 kg for men), you should lift it up with your knees bent. Also, make sure that you carry equally heavy bags in both hands so that the weight is distributed.
5. The Way You Sweep The Floor
Sweeping your floor with your back bent forward is an absolute no-no when it comes to your spine. Your legs would be strained, and so would be your back and arms – all of which is just not right for you.
The right way to do it: Chuck the floorcloth if you are sweeping your floor and get a mop with a large handle instead. Ideally, you should be standing while cleaning the floor.
6. The Way You Tie Your Shoelaces
It cannot be stressed enough that bending while standing is a very wrong and harmful position for your intervertebral discs. The stress caused by such a position robs your spine of nutritional elements, thereby leading to flattening of your spine. This can give rise to lots of aches and pains.
The right way to do it: If you need to tie your shoelaces, you should do so while sitting on a wide chair or stool. Pull your leg up and tie the lace, repeating the motion with the other leg.
7. The Way You Carry Your Backpack
Carrying your backpack on one shoulder may appear cool in the movies, but it is not cool for your spine.
The right way to do it: Your backpack has two straps, and you should slide on each strap on each shoulder. Also, make sure you use backpacks with soft, wide, and sturdy straps that add more support.
8. The Way You Get Heavy Objects Down From A Height
Stretching your arms and back up to get a heavy object down from a height can gradually stretch and wear out your spine.
The right way to do it: Place a stool or chair on the ground and climb on it to reach the height where the object is placed. It should be at the same level as your chest.
Doing these everyday activities the right way can save your spine from a lot of discomfort, aches, and pains in the future. So, make sure you follow the ways listed above.
