If you’re already dealing with back pain, moving can seem like an added challenge. But with a little bit of preparation and caution, you can make your move a success.
Talk to a doctor before the big day.
If you’re experiencing back or neck pain, it’s important to talk to your doctor before moving day to come up with a plan to manage your pain. Your chiropractor can help you adjust your spine to minimize your risk of injury. He or she may recommend specific exercises or stretches that you can do before and after moving. Exercising and stretching before you move can help warm up your muscles and prepare your body for the activity. This can help reduce the risk of further injury or worsening your existing pain.
Make sure you have enough help on moving day.
One of the best ways to make sure that you don’t mess up your back is to hire help on moving day. That way, you can focus on the task at hand and not on how sore your back is getting. If you’re moving a lot of furniture, or if you have a lot of boxes to pack, then you definitely need help. If you are struggling to move items on your own, consider hiring a professional moving company. The experts at Tucson moving companies will be able to help you move everything safely and efficiently.
Take breaks as needed and stay hydrated.
When you’re moving, it’s important to take breaks as needed to avoid back pain. Make sure to stay hydrated, as dehydration can contribute to back pain. You may also want to take some time to stretch your muscles, as this can help to relieve tension and stiffness. If you’re feeling especially fatigued, take a nap or go to bed early. And, if your back is really hurting, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Pay attention to what you’re doing.
If possible, avoid lifting anything heavier than 20 pounds. This will help to prevent any further pain or injury. When packing, try to enlist the help of friends or family members to do the heavy lifting for you. If you must lift something heavy, make sure to take breaks and use proper form. When lifting objects, always bend at the knees and keep the back straight. If something is too heavy or awkward to lift safely, get help. When carrying boxes or other items, use a cart or dolly whenever possible. If you have to carry something for a long distance, take small breaks to rest.
Give yourself a few days to relax and recover after moving.
Moving is a physically and emotionally exhausting process, even without back pain. After all the hard work of packing, hauling and unpacking, you and your back deserves a few days of rest and relaxation. Avoid strenuous activities for a few days after moving. This includes heavy lifting, vacuuming and running.Apply an ice pack to your back for 15-20 minutes a few times a day. This will help reduce inflammation and pain. Stretching can also help loosen tight muscles and increase flexibility. Try some simple stretches like spinal twists, hamstring stretches and quad stretches. If your back is still sore after a few days, take some over-the-counter pain relief medication to help ease the pain. If your doctor has prescribed certain medication, you might reach for those prescriptions. Following these tips should help your back recover quickly from the stress of moving.
Moving can be frustrating and exhausting, but try to stay positive and focus on the end goal. With a little bit of preparation and commonsense advice, you can make your move a little bit easier—and a lot less painful.
