Blog posts tagged with 'low back pain standing'

ROCK BACKWARD AND FORWARD WHILE STANDING  

              FIGURE 1- FORWARD                 FIGURE 1A - BACKWARD

Evidence shows that you can develop chronic low back pain from excessive standing. This chronic low back pain seems to result from a lack of movement, specifically forward and backward, while standing. As a result, I suggest rocking backward and forward on the balls and heels of your feet. Please refer to FIGURES 1 and 1A. Rocking backward and forward is not something you do constantly. I recommend every five minutes you rock backward and forward for about 60 seconds. Again, there is no rule set in stone as to the frequency with which you should rock forward and backward, as it is based on your feeling. 

DON'T STAND TOO LONG

As mentioned, I don’t believe excessive standing is as much of a problem as excessive sitting. However, standing can lead to chronic low back pain. To combat the potential effects of standing too long, I recommend taking a break from standing after every 20-30 minutes. Excessive standing is typically considered 50 minutes or longer, but I recommend 20-30 minutes because of spinal memory (see February 7th blog post). If your job or lifestyle requires prolonged standing, bring a stool to your workstation. I suggest sitting for a minute or two every 20-30 minutes. Combining a rest break after 50 minutes, and sitting every 20-30 minutes is a great way to avoid the effects of excessive standing. 

Another suggestion is to switch your weight-bearing foot. Every 10-15 minutes, switch your weight to your right foot. Stand with your weight on the right foot for one minute. Then, switch the weight to your left foot for one minute. Next, stand normally with the weight equally distributed on both feet. In another 10-15 minutes, switch weight-bearing feet again and repeat the process. A different way to accomplish this same concept is with a small step stool. Place the non weight-bearing foot on the small step stool and alternate feet as previously described.  There is no set rule to how frequently you should switch weight-bearing feet. Do what makes you feel best.