Spine Health - Know What Can Hamper It!

With changing lifestyles, the small household chores (daily activities) have become the workouts for most of us. When not done properly, however, these cause more harm than good. The spine often bears the brunt of this damage. Read on to know if you are damaging your spine on a daily basis. Its time to change the way you do these activities for your spine.

1. Carrying shopping bags - While two bags might look more expensive, carrying one bag tilts the weight to one side and causes the spine to bend. Instead, opt for two small bags, and this weight distribution is friendly on the spine.
    
2. Cleaning the floor - Either sit down completely or stand and use a mop. Never bend down and try to clean the floor with a cloth. The spine posture created during this is very unhealthy and puts pressure on the spine.
    
3. Tying up shoe-laces - While it is difficult to sit down and tie the shoe-laces, it is definitely worth the effort. Bending down and tying is harmful to the spine posture, and when repeatedly done, can be damaging in the long run.
    
4. Washing vessels - Bending and washing vessels is a strict no. It puts too much pressure on the back and the disk wears out faster. Try standing and keep a stool at knee level, on which you can rest the knee. Take turns to do this on the right and left knee.
    
5. At the washbasin - Bending down to brush the teeth or wash face is bad on the spine. Over a long period, this can put a lot of strain on the spine. Try to rest your hand on the wall or the sink and see the pressure on the spine reduce.
    
6. Office/school bags - It is very easy to sling a bag onto the shoulder and go on. The bag could contain books of a school kid or laptop of an office goer, whatever may be the situation, this puts uneven pressure on the back and can cause shoulder and spine issues. Always try to put the bag on both your shoulders. This distributes the weight and makes it easy on your shoulders and spine. Especially for people who are going to do some walking with the bag, it is definitely not advisable to carry it on one side.
    
7. Sitting - For those who end up sitting for long hours, there is too much stress on the back and so support is advisable. Take short breaks and avoid sitting for more than an hour at a stretch.
    
8. Bad mattress - While a soft mattress is very inviting, it does not support the spine and does not leave you fresh in the morning. Choose a mattress that supports the spine and see the difference.