Follow our chiropractors’ tips for watching your back

LOOKING after an elderly relative or a disabled person can take its toll on a carer’s health — particularly their back.

For many carers, physical activity such as lifting is a significant part of their daily routine and many will not have received information about back care.

With Back Care Awareness Week (October 5 to 11) in mind, Jorgen Rasmussen and Ed Marshall from Henley Chiropractic Centre offer the following simple tips for all carers:

• Think ahead. Assess each situation and look for the easiest way to achieve the desired result using any available equipment.

• Follow the weight. Face the direction you want to carry any weight — your body is strongest when you are square on to the weight.



• Take care when lifting. Never lift while twisting from the waist. Bend your knees, have a relaxed, straight back and brace your abdominal muscles. For added stability, ensure that your feet are a shoulder width or more apart before lifting.

• Ask for training. Whether you are caring in a formal setting or helping someone at home, make sure you have been properly trained in how to use any equipment.

• Supportive shoes are essential. Wear supportive, soft-soled shoes to get a good grip on the ground.

Henley Chiropractic Centre is open weekdays and Saturday mornings, and can offer early morning and evening appointments. The clinic is single storey with disabled access and is situated in West Lane off West Street in Henley. Parking is available close to the clinic.

For more information or to make an appointment, call (01491) 578833 or email info@henleychiropractic.co.uk