Why Does My Spine Hurt When I’m Vacuuming?

Whenever a task is being performed with two feet on the ground, the torque that is created by forward bending and twisting with ie vacuuming is distributed somewhere in between and this is classically in the lower spine. Unfortunately, forward bending with twisting is the most vulnerable position for the lower back. The discs that serve as a cushion and spacer between the vertebrae and the ligaments that attach the bones together cannot handle the body weight. Subsequently, nerves that surround all of these tissues become loaded and if it is for too long a period of time or the compression is significant, the nerves relay the message of pain to the brain.

This motion pattern is a recurring theme thru most everyone’s life and a classic origin to mechanical lower back pain that is prevalent in adults. We tend to be in a hurry with life’s activities and thus proactive posturing and mechanics are left on the side lines.

Tips for Resolving Back Pain from Vacuuming

1. Whenever the vacuum is moving, the operator needs to be on 1 foot.    
   1. This shifts the torque from the spine to the sturdy ball and socket joint of the hip. Some of the bodies largest and strongest muscles create movement about the hip joint
   1. As well, maintain a bit of a bend thru both the hip and knee joints, this will help disperse loads away from the spine.
2. Before starting remove as much clutter from the room to ensure that while actually vacuuming the amount of twisting and forward bending is minimized.
   1. Again, when picking things off of the floor do via balancing on one leg, similar to what you see a golfer do as they pick their ball out of the cup. Use a nearby ie chair for balance.
3. Stretch before and after
   1. Sit in a chair, slowly forward bend thru the waist, fingers heading toward the floor until a mild stretch (no pain) is appreciated. Hold for 10-30 seconds, repeat as desired.
4. Get the kids/spouse to do it
   1. Good luck with that!