Today, we wanted to talk to you about one of the everyday actions you perform that can lead to sudden aches and pains.
We rarely think about how often we are loading and unloading our vehicles. Whether it’s picking up groceries, or dropping the kids off at activities, many of us have cars crammed to the brim.
We know life always has us in a hurry, and in a rush to move onto the next task. However, it’s in these moments where we need to take the time to think about what we’re doing – especially when it comes to our backs.
Slow and Steady Definitely Wins This Race
If you’re loading up your vehicle, it is vital to lift by bending with your knees. Bending from the waist puts undue pressure on your lower back. Pick the load up close to your body, carry and place it slowly inside. Don’t heave and twist! Enlist the help of a family member if necessary, and keep in mind that less weight with multiple trips is always the safest way to go.
The majority of us have switched to reusable bags for chores like carrying groceries. While these bags are definitely better for the environment, they are often larger than the average plastic bag – leading to the tendency to overfill them.
When you arrive home and prepare to unload from your trunk or hatch, stand as close as you can to your vehicle. Casually leaning in and reaching over is a recipe for disaster. Take your time. If your vehicle is lower, again, bend your knees to take on the load. If at waist height, pull the items as close to you as you can. Then, use your upper body to slowly lift and carry them out. Again, don’t weight yourself down with every bag in an effort to get every item in the house in one trip. Slow and steady definitely wins this race.
Taking the time to load and unload your vehicle properly will help to maintain your spinal health, in addition to your regular chiropractic adjustments. Remember these tips the next time you’re out on the road, and keep your back happy!