A note on prolonged standing
Ever feel a pain between your shoulder blades and/or in the lower back after standing for a period of time, such as washing dishes, waiting in a mall for your spouse, standing at a counter at work, etc?
Chances are your belly is aiming forward causing an arch in your lower back leading to compensatory muscle and joint reaction to the mid thoracic region. So your low back and/or upper back hurt.
Surprisingly there is a very simple solution. Two actually. You can place one foot on a small stool or similar causing the hips and knees to flex. But at the mall? Try this: put one foot halfway in front of the other foot. This also reduces the forward curve of the low back (lumbar lordosis) taking the strain off the joints of the spine. You can then shift weight between feet, and the low back muscles are much more relaxed. This is really good for guys patiently waiting for their loved one to finish shopping.
So: elevate one foot slightly, or put one foot further forward than the other foot. Either will help reduce those niggly pains from standing too long.
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Reader Comments
I love this tip! When I would go back to teaching after summer break, my lower back would ache so much–I must be a belly-pusher-outer! I will definitely try this one–even washing dishes, like you say, antagonizes my lower back… Thank you!
Good tips! I have another one to add: I stand occasionally throughout the day at work, and I roll my foot on a golf ball. This introduces some movement to standing, which helps avoid stiff muscles, as well as getting some self-myofascial release in. Obviously not always an option, but one worth considering if possible.
Wow, what a great tip! I had no idea this was what was causing my back to ache when standing around. It starts so soon after standing still that I can’t bear to do it and end up wandering off, just to keep moving. I’ll give this a try tomorrow when we hit the shops!
I knew about putting your foot up, I did not know about putting one foot slightly forward. That is a great tip and definitely something I have to remember.
Jan I want to tell you I am sorry for missing your anniversary, so happy belated anniversary you two. God bless.
Jodi
Very good information. Thanks. I am heading off on a site-seeing trip and this will come in very handy as I will be standing in one long line after another!
Cheers! Viveca
yes i feel that sometimes, i’m relieved that it’s not something serious. thanks you so much for the tips.