How do I prevent back pain at my job?

Question

I work in a store that has cement floors and not only is it hard on my feet but my back too. Any ideas on how to take care of that?

I work retail and I am on me feet 8 hours a day.

Answer 1

Periodically throughout the day, lift each foot off the floor, rotate the ankles several times, and try to grab the foot from behind you and lift the heal to the buttocks. This stretches the quadriceps muscles in the thigh. Standing up on your tippie toes throughout the day will be beneficial as well. Also, gently twist the toros back and forth throughout the day, rotate the shoulders and hunch the back to stretch the spinal erector muscles along the spine.The real time to prevent back pain during work... is when you are off from work. You can do this by strengthening the back mucles, leg muscles and abdominals through resistance exercise, and gentle stretching. In addition, chiropractic really can help to reduce pain and swelling. I hope this helps you.

Answer 2

To the person who said she likely wears highheels, that wouldn't effect your back where it likely hurts her. It effects your hips and knees more than your back. They tilt your pelvis forward and out of natural allignment. Besides, it's just plain stupid to wear highheels working retail.

I work 10+ hours retail on my feet all day on a concret slab. My back normally hurts between my shoulder blades down to my waist. I truly feel your pain. The other registers actually have a more cushy-ness than the department I work in. I try to keep myself standing straight and lift properly, but my feet always hurt like an S.O.B.! After my shift, I can't get back to my feet because it hurts so badly. I used to wear Convers, which never hurt my feet, until the boss caught me when I was sicker than a dog. (Have to climb 6 foot ladders in the back stockroom, so I figured I'd wear something that wouldn't kill me -_-)

Since the dress code changed, we have to wear 'dressy-dress shoes' or else we get a write up. I've found those inserts by Dr. Scholles aren't that bad, and help the pain in the heels, or rather make it more tollerable. Get the really cushy ones and cut them to fit your own shoes.

After that, just soak your feet with pepermint oil and use pepermint lotion before bedtime. And most importantly, if you can, stay off your feet after you get home for a while.

Answer 3

Really good,supportive,comfortable shoes and posture. If your still having pain,I'd go to the doctor for some help. Then they can get you to a podatrist,the podatrist can recommend you for physical therapy as well as some foot supports that can take the load off your feet. Resulting in a better back. As well..have some Ibuprofin to take for the pain,at home when your in bed,put ice on your feet to help with swelling.

I hope this helps,good luck and feel better.

Answer 4

If you can then wear sports shoes ( the walking kind ) with air soles. They really help but if you have to wear formal shoes than a good alternative is to usa Dr. Scholls gel pads. They are really great. Other than that you should try some stretching before and after work. Also check your posture because most of us have bad posture and it only magnifies our back pain.

Answer 5

You have to support your back with soft cushion while sitting, do not attempt to carry heavy things by bending down, you have sit near the item and lift in between you legs or seek for help, long time standing also cause for back pain, the right posture when you sit in front of a computer, apart from all these stress and pressure can create back pain, you need rest..

Answer 6

Proper lifting procedures and wearing those belts (forgot what they are called) like those from people working at Home Depot. For you feet, try shoes that has a lot of cushion especially in the heel area. Also, try putting some gel in your soles.

Answer 7

Try Advil or another painkiller. If that doesn't work ask you doctor about prescribing a TENS Unit for you. It is about the size of a deck of cards and relieves pain for hours at a time by shooting electricity throw out your body. Sounds weird but in virtually case the pain will disappear for long periods of time.

Answer 8

get a back brace thingamajig....my dad haz one and itz like a big belt that you strap like, around your mid section/covering the belly button---and if you want something for at home, get an "inversion table" we got one recently at wal mart--dunno if they still sell em' ther...you clench yer feet in and put yer arms up and it tips you bakwords, then you hang upside down and stuff. Its fun, and i guess helps to stretch out the bak muscles, feelz pretty good. Also get Dr. Schauls (sp?) squishy shoe thingys that you put in yer shoes, or get the sneaker with it built in, or or...get those little"cookies"(we called em that') that are like squishy wedges that go in the heel and stick those in there...I had some for a while, they work pretty good! (er else get a slipper/ shoe..haha!)
I hope yer back feels better...I luv yer heart icon! <3
God bless!!!

Answer 9

I bet you sometimes wear high heels (not necessarily at work)

your toes are getting bent, i bet.


cement floors won't make any difference, thats like the woman who always walked on the road bcoz it was softer

wear low heels all the time

Answer 10

Proper shoes, lift from the knees..all the usual things.