If your job requires standing for extended periods of time (i.e. massage therapy, medical professionals, manufacturing, etc.), you unfortunately have an increased risk of developing some of the complications that come with continued standing. Some of these complications may include: low back pain, varicose veins, poor circulation and leg cramps. The team at Southwest Spine and Pain Center wants to minimize your chance of inheriting these symptoms, which is why they’re providing ways to manage back pain while standing for long periods of time.
Be Cognizant Of Your Standing Position
First, it’s important you notice your “natural” standing posture. Do you naturally tilt forward? Backward? Or, do you have a pretty neutral spine? Once you’ve figured this out, use this new-found knowledge to make adjustments. If you have a neutral alignment, meaning your ears are in line with your shoulders, hips and ankles, you don’t have to many any adjustments. If you have a tendency to bend forward a little at the hips and your upper back/spine tends to slump downward, you should practice retracting your shoulder blades and keeping your ears in line with your shoulders. If you tend to tilt backward, practice keeping your core engaged and legs activated to neutralize your standing position.
Give Yourself Breaks With Relief Postures & Stretches
It’s imperative patients take relief breaks to keep their lower back and leg muscles fluid and pain-free. If possible, take a minute to walk around, sit or stretch your arms, back and legs. You can go into a lunge, calf stretch or wall sit to accomplish some relief as well. Talk to the specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center for additional relief strategies.
Check Your Footwear
Ask yourself, are you wearing shoes that provide enough support and comfort for an 8-hour work day? If not, you may need to invest in a pair that will. Of course, not all feet are created equal, so you’ll want to consult a physical therapist or sales associate to determine the anatomical structure of your feet and what shoes will be best for providing the most support.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Staying hydrated is also essential for reducing back pain and poor circulation. Drinking plenty of water also keeps you energized! Therefore, you should make a conscious effort to bring a water bottle with you to work everyday and refill it often. Although there is no scientific proof drinking 8 glasses of water a day is good for your health, try to use this theory as a “rule of thumb” for staying properly hydrated.
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
©Southwest Spine and Pain Center, 2015
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