We all know how important it is to clean well, and thoroughly. Unfortunately, cleaning can be hard on your back if you’re not careful. The long-term effects of cleaning with poor posture or techniques and using the wrong products could mean constant pain or worse. This blog post will give you some tips and tricks that will help keep your back safe while still giving you the sparkling results that we all want.
Posture
Start by getting on your hands and knees to scrub the floor, or get on a step stool if you need more height. If you’re standing, try leaning over while keeping good posture for long periods of time. Avoid bending at the waist when reaching up high; instead, put one knee up onto whatever you are cleaning so that it is easier on your back.
Lifting
It is an inevitable fact that you will need to lift things from time to time. That means you need the right posture for lifting, no matter how heavy the object is. Start with your feet hip-width apart and squat down to lift the object. Keep your back straight, and use your legs to do the lifting rather than your back. If you can’t squat down, use a bending motion from the knees, not the waist.
If the object is too heavy for you to lift, don’t try to lift it at all. Ask for help if you can, and if not, then it’s best to find another way to clean under or around whatever is in your way.
Products
When using a cleaning product, always read the instructions to make sure you are using it correctly and safely. Mops and brooms are some of the products used that can cause back injuries because of how you have to use them. Instead, try using a dust mop or vacuum cleaner that can do the job just as well without hurting your back.
The Long-Term Effects of a Bad Back
Back pain is one of the most common pains for everyone. It can be caused by many things such as incorrect posture, lifting something the wrong way, or even just bad luck. The pain can range from mild to debilitating, and in some cases, it may never go away completely.
In the short-term back pain can mean issues with how you function on a personal level. It can make it hard to get out of bed, or even walk around the house doing simple tasks like cooking dinner.
In the long-term chronic pain from poor posture and bad lifting techniques is not only unpleasant but dangerous as well. Chronic back pain can cause stress that leads to more serious problems with your heart, how you digest food, and even your breathing.
Avoiding back pain is as simple as using proper posture when cleaning or lifting heavy objects, choosing the right products for each job (like a vacuum cleaner instead of a mop), and asking for help if you need it. You can keep clean without putting yourself at risk if you follow some of these important but often overlooked tips.
