by admin | Apr 16, 2015 | Blog |
Managing Back Pain A common condition for seniors and their caregivers is back pain. As we age, many of us will experience reduced flexibility in connective tissues which makes it more difficult to repair tight muscles. For caregivers; lifting, bending and transferring another person can put a lot of strain on muscles in the shoulders, back and neck. As a senior home care service provider in Toronto, we are advocates that our staff and family caregivers prevent injury while care giving. Here are some things you can do that can help both seniors and caregivers avoid injury and manage pain. Managing back pain: DO Lift from your Legs (not your back!) Before lifting or transferring a person or heavy object, bend your knees and focus on lifting from your legs instead of your back. Our legs are built to withstand greater weight and we have much more power lifting than if we use our back. Be careful not to reach out to begin lifting – keep the person or object close to you to avoid straining your back, shoulders or neck. Get in the habit of leaving items like shoes or kitchen appliances at chest level. It’s worth taking the time to rearrange the house so that less bending over is required on a day-to-day basis. In the bedroom, electric beds are a great option to ease into and out of each day. And in the bathroom, a shower seat and proper grabs bars can go a long way to helping both seniors and caregivers to reduce back strain and injury. Managing back pain: DO Stretch Often Stretching...
