5 Daily Activities That Harm Your Spine

Many activities we perform daily without giving much thought to our spine — the essential organ that supports all our body weight and ensures long-term stability and health. Some of these actions can be hazardous when part of a long-standing routine, so it's crucial to give this topic some consideration and pay attention to how we position ourselves during certain activities.

The main rule is that any activities done in a bending position pose a risk to our health because this posture gradually damages our intervertebral discs when done regularly. The reason lies in the cartilage between the vertebrae. When we bend over, this cartilage 'stretches,' causing pain and pressure on the spine.

Here are five examples of such activities you do every day, and you might not know that doing them the wrong way is a severe long-term threat to your spine.

Tying Your Shoe Laces

Tie your shoelaces while sitting comfortably on a chair, raising each leg alternately. Never do this while standing or bending over.

Carrying Backpacks

Many adults and children alike fail in this activity, tending to carry their backpacks on one shoulder. This action directly (and negatively) affects the spine because it places all the weight on one side of the body and naturally strains the spine. This is precisely why backpacks are designed with two straps — to distribute the heavy weight evenly across the spine, preventing stress.

Brushing Teeth

Many of us bend over the sink while brushing our teeth, though the action should be the exact opposite. When we stand, the pressure on the spine reduces, so it is advisable to remain standing or even walk while brushing.

Reaching for Heavy Objects from High Places

Every time we reach for something high up (like in the loft), we stretch our spine in a potentially dangerous way that could be perilous eventually. Instead of stretching and striving to reach the object, use a chair or a steady ladder.

Washing Dishes

In this activity, many of us fail and are unaware of the bent position we assume when washing dishes. Often the position is partly bent, putting a lot of pressure on the arms, with all the strain focused on the chest and between the shoulder blades. Using a small chair to rest your knee on while doing the dishes will reduce this pressure.

Other daily activities to pay attention to how they are performed include prolonged sitting at a computer, carrying heavy grocery bags, changing car wheels, and more.