Back Pain from Standing Still

We all know that standing still is bad for us and can cause back pain, but how do you deal with this if you HAVE to stand still?

For example if you’re standing still in a queue, or if you’re on your feet all day at work?

Here are some ideas:

1. Wriggle your toes! The age-old advice from soldiers still stands. Wriggling your pinkies keeps the blood flowing back up your legs and stops it pooling in your feet

2. Walk on the spot. Better than wriggling your toes is to get your legs moving, not only will this keep the blood flowing, it will also get some of your joints and muscles moving a bit.

3. Wriggle all over! Dancing and wriggling is a great way to get everything moving. Bodies really don’t like staying still, so have a wriggle.

4. If your GP has recommended that you wear compression socks, wear them. Sure, they’re hard to get on, but they reduce extra fluid in the legs, reduce inflammation, and ultimately improve blood flow through the veins to the heart. They’re often recommended to people who stand all day at work, but do talk to a professional before using them.

5. Take a few deep breaths. Deep breaths help move fluid around the body. Don’t hyperventilate, but a few deep breaths every now and then when you’re standing still is helpful.

It can be hard to think of all this when you’re getting fed up in a queue, or when you’re at work, but as soon as you get that niggle in your back, remember to wriggle a bit to help ease the pain.