Clean Up Your Joint Safely
By Krista Elliott
With the possible exception of Grandma, or your "helpful" pre-schooler (MEEEEEE DO!!!), most of us despise housecleaning. It's got to be done however, unless you want to be overtaken by dust bunnies or a family of mice. And I don't mean Mickey's cousins!
While it's necessary to stay on top of things around the house, it's important to be mindful of how we treat our backs and joints while doing so. Here's a "To do" list to get you started:
Soft on Hands, Hard on Backs
Even if you own a dishwasher, washing dishes seems to be a never-ending chore. Standing for long periods of time (especially on a tile floor) hunched over the suds-filled sink, can wreak havoc on your spine, the muscles in your neck and back, as well as your legs and feet. Try to alleviate some of the pressure by shifting the position of your feet periodically, and by placing a cushy mat underfoot.
Seriously? I JUST Mopped in Here!
Vacuuming. Sweeping. Mopping. Ah, the dance partners I've had. It can be fun to crank up the tunes and waltz a broom around the kitchen. But when doing so, we often stretch and thrust our arms back and forth, which can lead to strained muscles and subluxations. Instead, you should try to walk with the broom, vacuum, or mop, with your arms closer to your body and relaxed. And watch out that you don't slip on those wet floors!
And THIS is Why Nudists are Smart
Laundry is the perpetual chore, and also a back-breaking one. Carrying heavy baskets up and down the stairs puts strain on your muscles and joints, and can also lead to dangerous falls. Bend at the knees when lifting, and make more frequent but lighter loads. In addition, watch your balance when reaching into your top-load washer to grab that errant sock; the uneven strain can have nasty results on your muscles and spine.
Scrub-a-Dub-Tub
Anyone who's scrubbed a bath tub or shower knows how hard it is on the knees, back, and shoulders. It sounds wacky, but actually getting IN the tub or shower to clean it will greatly reduce the amount of back-damaging reaching and straining that you need to do, and will help you maintain your balance more easily. A clean pair of swim shoes will keep your feet dry and lower the odds of slipping.
Dusty Spring Cleaning
When performing tasks that are overhead, such as dusting light fixtures, and washing walls, windows, upper cupboards, closets, and shelves, it's important to try to avoid twisting and stretching. Instead of reaching up over your head, a sturdy step stool can make things easier on your back and joints. Or, extend your reach safely by using dusters and squeegees that extend.
Even with the best of precautions, injuries can still happen. The professional team at The Joint Chiropractic can provide customized and precise treatment for strains, subluxations, and even herniated discs and pinched nerves, helping relieve pain and speed recovery. Plus, regular chiropractic care can help prevent injuries from occurring at all by increasing back strength and flexibility.
So take a break from your chores and visit The Joint today — no appointment needed! We might not do windows, but when it comes to your joints, we're pretty neat.