Caring for another individual is a big job. The responsibility alone can be very stressful, both mentally and physically. Most people think that the physicality of the job is the sole purpose for subsequent back pain, however, the stress of day to day tasks can be a factor in back pain as well. This article will cover every base on how caregiving can damage your back as well as how to avoid back pain, from the debilitating to dull nuisances.

Durable Medical Supplies

Having the proper tools at your disposal is key to ensure you don’t end up hurting your back and end up needing a caregiver yourself. Transporting the ones you care for can be a tricky task. Many factors play a role in how to approach this.

Is the person capable of assisting or are they full incapacitated? Are they heavy or petite? Ask yourself these questions. If you are caring for someone who is overweight and has no leg strength, leaving them unable to assist you in lifting them, then your best bet would be a Hoyer lift.

A Hoyer lift is especially handy when transporting your patient to and from their bed. It is a simple contraption that allows you to position your patient, while still lying down, into a sling of fabric. Once they are situated, you attach the fabric to the lift and can gently lift and pivot your patient to their wheelchair. Hoyer lifts are most often powered by electric or hydraulics, limiting the risk of injury to yourself and your patient.

Transport Wheelchairs

What type of wheelchair you transfer your patient too is just as important as how you transfer them to it. A transport wheelchair is your best bet. They are easy to collapse and are lightweight making them easy to travel with.

They are also good for maneuvering in tight spaces, so if your patient lives in small quarters you don’t have to deal with the hassles of a bulkier chair. Most transport chairs can hold up to 250 to 300 pounds. You can also find a bariatric, or heavy duty, transport chair that can support up to 450 pounds.

They are best used for purposes such as doctor’s visits, shopping trips, and occasional travel, not necessarily daily for long periods of time. Transport wheelchairs are great to have, even if your patient already has a heavier, permanent wheelchair.

Mind and Body

Now to tackle that stress. If you are not already a yogi, you should seriously think about taking up yoga. It is a gentle and relaxing routine of stretches to help heal your aching back as well as offer you a great workout to boot. You can look into tai chi, pilates, really any form of exercise you enjoy.

Studies have shown that incorporating exercise into your daily routine boosts the release of endorphins in your brain, a chemical that makes you feel happy. With such a physically demanding job, however, stick to things such as yoga, as opposed to CrossFit, to relax your mind and body.

Published: 2018-11-07 12:04:10