“Tidying Up” is a phenomenal new series on Netflix hosted by Marie Kondo. (If you haven’t seen it, make it the next thing you do). One of the first aspects of the Marie Kondo technique or method to cleaning your house is starting with clothes. Dump it all in a giant pile on your bed. So that’s that’s what we’re talking about today.
For many of you, that could be a daunting task to think about, you know, how can I possibly get through all my clothes without my back pain sending me to the ER or having terrible experience?
I can’t promise you’ll have a great time sorting your clothes, but I’m going to give you some tips today about positioning and trying to get through your sorting without it being too terribly painful or aggravating your back pain.
The first tip that I would say is you can put the pile of clothes on your bed, but make sure that you’re not standing and bending over to sort your clothes. Standing and bending over is an absolutely horrible position for your back, and a recipe for disaster. Avoid this position at all costs.
Another option you have (if you can do it) is sitting on your bed with your back up nice and straight. That requires some hip and knee mobility to accomplish, but it’s another option to take strain off of your low back.
You could also either kneel (I know, kneeling…). What that does put you right at chest level for sorting through your clothes. Or you can establish the same position by putting all your clothes on the dining room table, or another table that allows you to sit for awhile and be in a relaxed position where all the clothes are at waist height (or a little higher). Or if you have a dresser or counter top that’s at a comfortable height, you can stand up for a little while as well.
So those are your best options to keep your back out of trouble.
I hope that’s helpful; I hope this provides a little insight into good ways to work through Marie Kondo’s method without aggravating your back pain.
If you’re experiencing stiffness in your back that’s restricting your ability to move without pain, click here to download my free back pain tips guide for tips that I give my patients every day.
