Dos and Don'ts When Your Back is Hurting
Sitting – Avoid sitting. If you must sit, get up and move around every 20 minutes. Sit with your knees at hip level or slightly higher than your hips. Use a small towel rolled behind your back to add support in the lumbar (waist) area.
Standing – Stand with one foot in front of the other with knees slightly bent. Or place one foot on a stool. This position will reduce the pressure on your lower back.
Lying – Use the resting position frequently. Sleep on a firm mattress. The floor is too firm. Sleep on your back with pillows under your knees, or sleep on your side with knees bent and a pillow between your knees. When rising from a lying position, use your arms for support; roll first to your side, and then push yourself up with your arms.
Driving – Bring your car or truck seat forward to a position where your knees are slightly higher than your hips. Use a towel roll, magazine roll, or backrest for support.
Lifting – Avoid lifting. If you must lift, put one foot in front of the other. Bend to the floor and keep the object(s) as close to you as possible. Use the strength in your legs instead of your back.
Activity – Stay as active as possible. Muscles tighten and stay in spasm if they are not allowed to stretch. Walking is a good exercise for low back pain.
These tips brought to you by the Hartford and the AICPA Commercial Property and Liability Insurance Program. Click here to learn more about the CPA Commercial Property and Liability Program.
For more information about this article, contact your local Hartford agent or your Hartford Loss Control Consultant. Visit The Hartford’s Loss Control web site at http://www.thehartford.com/corporate/losscontrol/
The information provided in these materials is intended to be general and advisory in nature. It shall not be considered legal advice.The Hartford does not warrant that the implementation of any view or recommendation contained herein will: (i) result in the elimination of any unsafe conditions at your business locations or with respect to your business operations; or (ii) will be an appropriate legal or business practice. The Hartford assumes no responsibility for the control or correction of hazards or legal compliance with respect to your business practices, and the views and recommendations contained herein shall not constitute our undertaking, on your behalf or for the benefit of others, to determine or warrant that your business premises, locations or operations are safe or healthful, or are in compliance with any law, rule or regulation. Readers seeking to resolve specific safety, legal or business issues or concerns related to the information provided in these materials should consult their safety consultant, attorney or business advisors.
All information and representations herein are as of March 2009.
