These 8 Daily Activities Could Damage Your Spine

Nov 07, 2018 by apost team

Keeping your spine in order is a must if you want to be healthy. Having a back that's in poor shape has serious consequences for your mobility and posture. It could also turn out that you are hurting your spine without even realizing it. These eight activities are common and very dangerous to your spine. 

1. Toothbrushing 

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No, you shouldn't stop brushing your teeth. However, your posture could be putting unnecessary stress on your spine. Make sure that you're giving your body plenty of support when you brush your teeth. 

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2. Washing dishes 

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Washing dishes by hand can put a significant strain on your back and arms. You need to pay close attention to your posture as you scrub and rinse. Rest one of your legs on a chair while you're washing dishes to alleviate the strain. 

3. Changing tires 

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It's an essential skill for any motorist to have, but changing a tire can lead to a very sore back if you're not careful. If your tire goes flat, you shouldn't be hunched over. Get on the ground and make sure you're in a comfortable position before you start taking things apart. Changing a tire can take at least a few minutes, and you don't want to be prolonging the agony that your spine goes through. 

4. Carrying groceries 

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Throwing all your groceries in one bag might seem like the best solution to save time that would otherwise be spent making multiple trips, but it can seriously do harm to your spine. Make sure to spread your groceries across multiple bags if one seems like it won't be enough and that the weight is equal for each hand. You'll have to go a bit slower, but going slower is definitely worth it for better spine health. 

5. Floor scrubbing 

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Mops don't just make washing your home a more efficient task. They also help protect your spine. Instead of hunching over in a way that seriously hurts your spine, stand up straight with a mop and enjoy just how much easier it is to clean up. 

6. Tying your shoes 

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Here's a good rule of thumb: if you're hunching over to do something, you're going to hurt your spine. Instead of contorting your back to tie your shoes, get down to the floor or bring your shoes up. It only takes a second and the benefits speak for themselves. 

7. Wearing a backpack 

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A backpack is necessary for students, but there are certain guidelines to adhere to. It should not be slung over one shoulder or be filled beyond capacity. If you have a backpack, make sure to wear it on both shoulders and to keep it as light as possible. 

8. Pulling down hefty objects 

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Getting on your tippytoes to pull down a bulky item can have some serious consequences for your spine. All the stretching and weight is a lot for your spine to deal with. It might seem impressive that you can pretend you're as tall as a bookshelf, but it's considerably less impressive when you have to deal with serious pain to your spine. Look for a step stool to stand on so that you're not risking serious damage to your spine. 

When you keep your spine in good condition, you show just how much you value your body. If you have any tips for keeping your spine in order, please let us know. Show this to any friends or family members who are wondering how they can keep their backs in better shape.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!