What Will Help My Low Back Pain When Standing On Hard Floor?
Questions Submitted: What will help low back pain when standing on hard floor at work?
Hi! For starters, most people rarely distribute their weight onto both legs equally when standing. Instead, most people tend to to shift their weight from one side to another. This side - to - side repositioning can throw your spine out of alignment, which can lead to uncomfortable and even painful low back pain when standing.
There are a few techniques you can use to help minimize low back pain when standing. Here’s a few you can use right away…
1. Get a small step stool to put one foot up and then change your feet every 15 minutes. This simple and low cost method will help decrease the stress on your low back.
2. When sitting, choose a seat with good lumbar support, and use a footstool to raise your knees to hip level.
3. Here’s another: Take a minute every now and then to do back some gentle back exercises or stretches, which will help loosen up stiffness.
4. Anti-fatigue mats are designed to reduce fatigue that is caused by standing for long periods on hard surface (e.g.,. concrete floors). Anti-fatigue mats are often used to decrease foot weariness for workers who stand in one position for long periods.
5. Footwear can play a big factor in how well your back holds up to long periods of standing. When properly chosen, proper footwear may help reduce the painful effects of prolonged standing. Footwear should be an important consideration for people who work on their feet. Shoes should ensure adequate arch and heel support and cushioning while providing comfort to the wearer.
You may also benefit from a consultation with a Chiropodist (foot doctor) or Physiotherapist to discuss the potential need for a custom orthotic to improve the alignment of your foot and lower extremity, as well as decrease the load on your low back.
Your local Physiotherapist can show you a few additional options on how to offload the joints of your low back if you are standing for prolonged periods of time, that are custom for you.
Looking for an effective way to end your frustrating pain? Consider PT Health Physiotherapy! We deliver a non-surgical, natural, and safe therapy services to end painful injuries. Every day across Canada, more than 7,000 people trust PT Health to provide pain relief solutions for them. Why? Because we get results! Why not let us do the same for you too? Book a complimentary consultation today, and let's discuss how we can help you - feel great again! Learn More About Free Consultation Option Here
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Comment by Denver Physical Therapy Colorado on 29 January 2009:
Nice informative article. Great work
Comment by KESHAV DAS on 18 March 2009:
I am a Sales Associate and have to be on my foot 40 hours a week with heavy steel toed boots on.Causing back pain and also my foot.Is there something I can use inside my shoes as inner shole to make it more cushioned and comfortable ?
Comment by PT Health Team on 19 March 2009:
Hello…
There are a couple of options that you could consider.
1. You could consult a chiropodist and/or the store you purchased your work books for options in other boots that could offer more cushioning and be of a lighter-weight without sacrificing the protections and health and safety requirements of your occupation. I treat many patients that are not wearing the appropriate work boot. (If this is not the case …)
2. You could consult a chiropodist for an orthotic that could improve the mechanics (joint movement and muscle control) of your foot and provide you with added cushioning and support from within the work boot. Often you could buy standard insoles off the shelf, but they tend to breakdown quickly, especially with the amount of time you are in your boots. I would strongly recommend a consultation with a chiropodist.
3. If you can find a small stool or raised surface that you could put your foot on and alternate between left foot up, both feet on ground, then right foot up. If you continue this on a 10-15 minute cycle this will help reduce the strain on your lower back.
4. I’m not sure if you are stationary at work or if you are moving about all day. If you are stationary you could request some anti-fatiguing matting for the area you are standing in order to reduce the stress/strain placed on your lower back and lower extremities from the concrete floor.
I hope these are helpful options, please contact us if you have any further questions.