Henry’s Health And Medical Advice

Posted on: 7 August 2018

Working as a server in a restaurant can be gruelling, especially considering the long hours many waiters and waitresses spend on their feet. Aside from the fatigue, one of the worst physical downsides to this line of work is lower back pain. If you're struggling with back pain at work from standing all day, here are three things you can try to help.

Buy Better Shoes

One of the most common ways servers make their back pain worse is by wearing the wrong shoes. Most people choose work shoes based on looks and how well they fit the restaurant's uniform policy, but it's important to think of comfort too. Choosing comfortable and supportive shoes will reduce the force that's imparted on your feet, thereby reducing the pressure on your spine that causes lower back pain. The best work shoes have a supportive arch, a wide outsole to absorb impact and adequate cushioning to keep your feet comfortable. Ideally, your shoes should also have good grip; this will help reduce the impact that reaches your back when walking on restaurant flooring.

Learn the Right Stretches

Stretching out before and after work as well as during your breaks is another great way to reduce lower back pain. There are many exercises you can try to keep the muscles and bones in your back strong, healthy and pain-free—just remember to start off light and build your way up over time to avoid injury. Some of the easiest stretches to do while you're at work include toe touches and side bends. When you're in the comfort of your own home, you can also try lying-down stretches like pelvic tilts and knee rolls to reduce your pain.

See a Chiropractor

Sometimes back pain at work persists, even when you're wearing supportive shoes and stretching regularly. If that's the case for you, a visit to a chiropractor such as Advanced Chiropractic Clinic could be what you need to banish the lower back pain once and for all. A chiropractor will be able to assess your back pain to figure out where it's coming from, then treat it using a variety of techniques such as spinal manipulation, tissue massage, and customised exercise and stretching regimes. Chiropractic professionals are also often experienced at helping people who stand up at work all day, so they'll be able to advise you on other steps you can take to keep back pain at bay between appointments.