Spring Cleaning

At this time of year, many people are thinking about their annual “spring clean” around the house.  Winter has left its mark and there’s a nagging drive to want to freshen things up.

Spring cleaning can be surprisingly therapeutic and, before you know it, several hours have gone by. The house looks great and you are feeling pleased with a job well done. It’s often not until the next day that you realise there was a price to pay for your cleaning enthusiasm... your back! 

Do you suffer from back pain after working on or around the house? It’s not uncommon due to the hunched or awkward positions people often assume for lengthy periods of time while cleaning their home. It’s important to pace yourself and take regular breaks. Allow your body and spine to assume a normal upright position and walk around to get some movement through your joints. Where possible kneel rather than bend. This prevents additional stress on your spine and helps the muscles in your lower back to remain relaxed. 

Also, although it may be all you want to do, don’t sit down immediately after you have finished. You may find when you go to get up again that you are stiff and sore. Ideally, have a gentle ten minute walk and let your body loosen up and wind down after its mammoth effort!