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Serving Up A Happy Spine

by Krista Elliott

I always love it when we decide, "To heck with cooking, let's go out for dinner!" It's lovely not to have to deal with prep, cooking, cleanup, and the frustration of your kids refusing to try the new dish you made. Being waited on can be a nice treat for harried parents. But for the waitstaff serving us, our evening out is their job, and is anything but a break. 

Are You Being Served ... Subluxations?

Working as waitstaff can also bring with it a high risk of injuries. Sure, it can be fun getting to interact with regulars, and the tips are nice. But working in food service is flat-out exhausting with its physical and mental demands. What are its risks to your body, though? 

  • Dashing back and forth in an area where food and drink is served and coats and purses are dangling from the backs of chairs greatly increases your risk of a joint-damaging slip or fall. If your job requires dress footwear, this risk is increased. 
  • We've all seen waitstaff carrying trays of food larger than a wagon wheel. Carrying these heavy trays creates muscle strain and uneven tension on the spine and joints, leading to uncomfortable subluxations. And if you also have to bus the table, those trays full of dirty dishes can get pretty heavy and unwieldy. 
  • Being on your feet for long hours can lead to compression in the spine and inflamed nerves, contributing to painful conditions like sciatica. 

So ... how to keep your spine and joints happy while also placating the man at Table 12 who thinks the butter isn't soft enough and keeps snapping his fingers to get your attention? Here are some tips: 

  • Talk to your employer about making sure staff can wear non-slip, supportive shoes. Yes, they want to project an image, but health and safety should be paramount.
  • Instead of carrying an entire table's order on one tray, enlist a coworker to carry half of it, and you can then return the favor. 
  • When doing heavy lifting, be sure to bend at the knees and lift your burden close to your body in order to reduce strain on your lower back. 
  • Take your time. Yes, you want to provide quick service, but taking even just a few extra seconds to watch where you're going can help prevent nasty accidents, and won't add to customers' waiting time in any appreciable way. 

And perhaps most importantly, take care of your spine and joints. The best way to do that is with routine chiropractic care from the experts at The Joint Chiropractic. With gentle and precise adjustments, The Joint can help make sure that your body is in optimal alignment, helping to reduce pain, improve your balance, and keep your body functioning at peak condition. Plus, you can visit any of our 350-plus locations without an appointment, so we work perfectly with your shift schedule, no matter how erratic it might be. So come by The Joint today and let us serve up a happier, healthier you!

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$29 New Patient Special, Consultation | Exam | Adjustment

Offer valued at $45. Valid for new patients only. See clinic for chiropractor(s)' name and license info. Clinics managed and/or owned by franchisee or Prof. Corps. Restrictions may apply to Medicare eligible patients. Individual results may vary.