Protect Your Back from Pain as a Caregiver

As a home healthcare worker, your main priority is the safety and well-being of your patient. But, you must also protect and take care of yourself first. Because you are constantly bending down and over, lifting, and transferring your patients, back issues are the most common injury of caregivers.

According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the incident rate of strains, sprains, and tears is 205.6 out of every 10,000 full-time home healthcare aides.

 Luckily, there are techniques to help you avoid back pain and injury.

How to Protect Your Back

Stretch It Out

• Start your day by stretching out your muscles for about ten minutes. This will help your body to be limbre and more resilient. You can also take five minutes throughout your day to stretch as needed. At the end of your day, do another ten minutes to relieve stress, muscle pain, and help relax you for bed.

Maintain Proper Posture

• It is important to stand up straight, keep your spine in line, and avoid positions that can cause your head and shoulders to slouch forward. 
• Try to avoid chairs with no back support, and always sit with both feet on the floor. 
• Choosing proper footwear that has good arch support and cushioning can also help.

Take Vitamins and Eat Right

• Eat a nutrient-dense diet and consider taking a multivitamin supplement. Consult your doctor for other vitamin suggestions specific to your needs

Eat More Fish

• Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in coldwater fish like salmon, have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help support bone and muscle health, which can assist in reducing the risk of straining back muscles.