Something to help low back pain when cooking

Question

I had read in another thread about jfood having some clogs that helped low back pain and knee issues when he cooks (http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/578607#4608461). Does anyone have any info about something like that. Thanksgiving was brutal on my back. I kept having to go sit down, so making my dressing and gravy took twice as long. I would take the stuff and chop at the table and then go back and add. By the time I got to my daughters I was in so much pain I could hardly move. If there are some miracle shoes I would love to try them!

Answer

I've had serious back problems for many years. I use a Gel Pro mat in the kitchen, and if things get really bad, I open a lower cupboard door and rest a foot on the bottom shelf -- it's amazing how that little trick helps me. Give it a try.

Answer

I have lumbar osteoarthritis that's really bad for somebody my age. According to my physical therapist, the best thing to minimize symptoms is to develop better posture. When you're dicing carrots or stirring a sauce, it's natural to hunch forward, putting extra load on the low back.

It's hard - especially at first - to keep shoulders back, head back, butt in, and posture straight. Especially if the work surface is too low. Practice makes it easier, as do exercises that strengthen the core muscles - abs and low back - and that strengthen the upper back and keep the shoulders from rolling forward.

Good ergonomics help, too. The gel mats are great. Good shoes are a must. (Clogs? Bah. Doc Martens.) And if possible, get those work surfaces to the right height for you - if your counters are a little too low, a thick cutting board can make all the difference in the world.

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There are also some floor mats that may help.

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I swear by my Dansko shoes. When I was a bank teller, I could stand all day without pain. On days when I didn't wear them, I could tell a huge difference. I'd go home barely able to move. They're seriously the best shoe I've ever owned. I can wear them on an all day shopping trip, my feet don't hurt, my back doesn't hurt, I'm not exhausted from pain. I love them!!!!!

http://www.dansko.com/#categories,0,1,1

You could try the anti-fatigue mats also. Sounds kinda wierd, but you can go to Sally Beauty Supply and order them - just be sure to get one w/o the chair cutout. These are what hairdressers stand on all day.

http://www.sallybeauty.com/floor-mat-equipment/Eqpm01-08,default,sc.html?psortb1=category-pos_Eqpm01&psortd1=1

You could do a google search for anti-fatigue mats also. 

To me, the shoes would be the best bet if you tend to move around alot in the kitchen, unless you have the money to buy mats for different parts of your kitchen. 

Good luck!

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Get a Gel Pro mat and kiss your back pain good-bye, Costco has them at a steal.

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My experience supports the Dansko recommendations - I live near a Dansko outlet and whenever I am there it is jammed with people who are on their feet alot - teachers, nurses, doctors and restaurant people. they all seem very pleased with the clogs. 
One thing I can't understand is why people put slate or tile floors in their kitchens. The floors may look nice but they must be torture on the back.

Answer

I was inspired by this thread to go out and buy a pair of Dansko clogs this morning. they are very strange and bouncy, will take some getting used to. I'm cooking in them all afternoon, so we'll see how it goes.

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Backless clogs or crocs

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MBT shoes. They're ugly (well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and in my eyes, they're UGLY). But I believe they will help you. They're a bit reminiscent of the "special" shoes Kramer wore in Seinfeld when he was mistaken for a developmentally delayed person.

It took me quite some time before I got the courage to buy them because of vanity, and this is another reminder that I'm getting older. Every time I saw somebody on the street with them, I questioned them. They were all really enthusiastic -- many got them because of back pain and said it helped them a great deal. They put your body in proper alignment and take the pressure off of your back and knees.

My issue is really not back and knee pain, but ankle issues, and I use these shoes to strengthen my ankle muscles. But if I walk around for an entire day (we're talking at least 6 miles) or am on my feet a lot, I do experience some lower back soreness by the end of the day. When I wear my MBTs, I don't have the soreness. And the other day, after a vigorous workout, I had soreness in my lower back and wasn't walking normally. I had to go out and run errands and decided to wear my MBT shoes. Within minutes of wearing them, the soreness started to dissipate.

There are a lot of new shoes that look similar to MBT that are being marketed in recent times. They're being more marketed for their fitness aspects (helps to tone your legs as you walk) as opposed to be marketed for helping people with neck/back/knee pain. I haven't tried those shoes, but I've read reports that they're not as good. I would go with the original MBT shoes. And if your main concern is back pain, I would recommend the original soles as opposed to the newer "sleeker" soles as I feel the original ones work better (I've got both). I've recommended these shoes to quite a few of my patients and they've all been pretty happy with the results.

These shoes are on the pricey side. But one of my patients pointed out this website that sells some of them on sale. I got a pair that originally costs $250 for $130. 

http://us.mbt.com/
http://shoes.footwearetc.com/asearch#p=Q&lbc=footwearetc&ts=ajax&w=&af=cat1:onsale+gen:womens+br:mbt&isort=globalpop&method=and

Answer

A week later, I've been wearing the clogs for a little over an hour while cooking, and I have to say, they help, especially while standing on a gel mat. A word of caution, however: There is a pull on the hamstrings, so I do some stretches mid-cooking.

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I appreciate all of the advice from everyone. So far I just can't afford to spend much so I will try some of the cheaper/free alternatives first, but I am marking this as a favorite and when I have the money I have much to choose from.

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There are also massage insoles available. It may also be helpful to establish a daily yoga/stretching routine.

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I've been wearing the Dansko clogs more and more in the kitchen. I spent all day cooking today, wearing the clogs, standing on the mat, tucking the pelvis, and I feel pretty darned good. I think all of these tips are helpful. I also have a good kitchen counter stool with excellent back support, where I sit for chores that can be done seated. Switching back and forth between standing and sitting is good.

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Acorn slippers with memory foam.... Awesome for my back and my plantar fascitis (sp?)!

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I have found that the best thing to combat lower back pain is generous amounts of vodka, bourbon or gin. Apply generously as needed. Also helps with creative inspiration.

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I wear Crocs. I won't where them anywhere else, but the difference when I'm cooking is unbelievable. I can't tell you how amazing they have been. I can literally cook all day and neither my feet nor back get tired. I made cookies from 6-10pm yesterday and 11am-8pm today and could have kept going without a problem. They are almost too good to be true.

Answer

I need an idea where I can sit while I ccok. Something that sits me high enough to reach the counters and the stove. I have a walker with a seat, but it seats me too low to do much.

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Something to help low back pain when cooking

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