Back Safety: Standing
Good posture decreases back pain by reducing strain on your muscles. Remember to check your posture, using the self-help tips below, every time you move or adjust position.
 |
| Standing |
 |
| Bending Over |
 |
| Working |
Standing
-
To help keep your spine straight, line up your ears, shoulders, and hips.
-
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Or, place one foot slightly in front of the other.
-
Keep your knees relaxed and stomach muscles slightly flattened.
Bending Over
-
Bend at your hips and knees.
-
Don’t bend at your waist or round your back.
-
Rest your weight on your arms if possible.
Working
-
When standing for a long time, put one foot on a footrest. This may help ease strain on your back. The footrest should be about 5–8 inches high.
-
When reaching for objects over your head, use a stepladder. When you can’t, be sure to tighten your stomach muscles to keep your back from arching.