Back Safety: Bending

Bending can strain or even injure your back. Follow the tips below to move safely and protect your back as you perform everyday activities.

Bending over

• Keep your feet shoulder-width apart.

• Move your whole body as one unit.

• Bend at your hips and knees, not at your waist.

• Flatten your stomach and tighten your leg muscles.

• To keep your spine straight, let your buttocks move out behind you. Don’t try to tuck them under.

• If you need to, place one hand on a sturdy object for support.

Bending to the floor

• Lower yourself to one knee. If you can, rest one hand on a sturdy object to help lower yourself.

• Rest one arm on your raised knee.

• Don’t bend at the waist.

• Do not hunch your back or neck to reach to the floor. Instead, bend more at your hips and knees to get closer.