A Chiropractor's Guide to Pain-Free Cleaning

By Brandi Swieter 

Cleaning the house takes a considerable amount of work, especially for those who already experience pain regularly. Failing to handle chores properly can do even more harm to the body, leading to aches and pains that won’t soon go away. Chiropractors offer guidance on pain-free cleaning with a few tips and tricks to make chores easier on the back and body.

Use Dollies and Sliders

Many people don’t just pick up quickly when they’re trying to clean. They go all out, cleaning every inch of the home to ensure it’s spotless. This may even involve moving some furniture around to vacuum underneath it, or perhaps even rearrange it altogether. In these instances, it’s best to use dollies or furniture sliders for easier moving rather than attempting to lift heavy items that could hurt the back. It’s also wise to have two people handling the job instead of one person making the attempt on their own.

Stretch Before Cleaning

Most wouldn’t think to stretch their bodies simply to clean their home, but stretching really should be done to ensure optimal flexibility and prevent injuries. Cleaning takes a lot of work and puts strain on the body. Stretching will help to prevent some of that strain and ensure the muscles are prepared to move, bend, and work as intended. Just a few simple stretching choices are all that’s needed to help you avoid an unfortunate twist of fate.

Stand Straight When Mopping

Mopping often results in poor posture, with people bending forward to reach faraway spaces. Rather than bend and hold the mop away from the body, people need to stand straight and keep the cleaning tool closer to their bodies. This minimizes the chance for straining and injury.

Stop When Pain Sets In

Cleaners often continue to get their jobs done even after pain has set in. This practice is highly unsafe and should not be continued. Anyone handling cleaning duties needs to stop their task as soon as any pain is felt. They should use this time to take a break and stretch the body out some more to ensure the pain does not worsen. It may even be wise to call it a day and try cleaning again on another occasion.

Anyone who experiences pain during or after cleaning should visit The Joint Chiropractic as soon as possible for treatment. A doctor may be able to remove joint restrictions and get the body back to feeling normal and without pain. Following this pain-free cleaning guide from here on out is the best way to prevent further problems.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Portland, Ore.