Get Chores Done Without Making Your Pain Worse

Topic 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:

1. 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.
2. When lifting, use your leg muscles and your stomach muscles to do most of the work. And keep whatever you're lifting as close to your body as you can.
3. 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.
4. Take rest breaks. Don't do any one type of movement for too long without taking a break. And try to alternate chores so you're not doing the same movement (even with breaks) for a long time.
5. Do it later. If it hurts too much to do the chore, put it off until you feel better.