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sitting: Use a hard chair and put your
spine up against it try and keep one or both knees higher than your hips. A small stool is
helpful here. For short rest periods, a contour chair offers excellent support.
standing: Try to stand with
your lower back flat. When you work standing up, use a footrest to help relieve swayback.
Never lean forward without bending your knees, Ladies take note: shoes with moderate heels
strain the back less than those with high heels. Avoid platform shoes.
sleeping: Sleep on a firm
mattress; put a bedboard (3/4" plywood) under a soft mattress. Do not sleep on your
stomach. If you sleep on your back put a pillow under your knees. If you sleep on your
side keep your legs bent at the knees and at the hips.
driving: Get a hard seat for
your automobile and sit close enough to the wheel while driving so that your legs are not
fully extended when you work the pedals.
lifting: Make sure you lift
properly. Bend your knees and use you, leg muscles to lift. Avoid sudden
movements. Keep the load close to your body, and try not to lift anything heavy higher
than your waist.
working: Don't overwork
yourself. If you can, change from one job to another before you feel fatigued.
If you work at a desk all day, get up and move around whenever you get the chance.
exercise: Get regular
exercise (walking, swimming, etc.) once your backache is gone. But start slowly to
give your muscles a chance to warm up and loosen before attempting anything strenuous.
If your back acts up, see your doctor: don't wait until your condition
gets severe. |
