Solutions to Kitchen Back Pain

25% of adults in the United State have reported back pain lasting at least an entire day in the last three months. Standing or sitting for long periods of time is more likely to increase your chances of back pain and fatigue. In the kitchen it’s very easy to acquire back pain. Chefs and restaurant staff know that kitchens require long periods of standing, heavy lifting, and repetitive activity, all of which easily cause back pain. So what are they to do to prevent back pain or help combat it?
One of the most common reasons for back pain is poor foot support. Dr. Giurini compared feet to the foundation of a building; if your feet are poor mechanically, they can change the alignment of your back. When shoes with poor support are continually worn for hours on end they can lead to many problems, obviously back pain is one of these. Less supportive shoes are known to cause arch pain, ankle pain, and knee pain. Wearing supportive shoes, like MOZO Shoes, can dramatically reduce your back pain. MOZO shoes are designed specifically with a chef's day in mind. They're meant to keep a chef working all day long, preventing fatigue for as long as possible.
We recommend choosing the Mozo’s 125th Street Patent Leather Shoe. These shoes are made with a patent leather outer. The patent leather allows the shoe to mold to your foot, and allowing you to not worry about splashes or spills. Leather becomes softer and malleable over time promising lasting comfort. MOZO's 125th Patent Leather Shoe features a stainless steel toe. This is a fantastic quality meant to protect your toes when lifting heavy supplies. The shoe is completed with a breathable, polyester mesh lining. The mesh lining provides water resistance and reduces perspiration from long uses.
A simple way to prevent back pain is practicing good posture. It’s easy to slouch and push weight onto your knees, hips, and feet. When you practice good posture you are developing your core. Your core includes: back, pelvic, abs, side, and buttock. These muscles help you stand up straight, rotate, bend and twist. Dr. Moyad says, “Your core is like a crane that supports all of your movements.” You can strengthen your core by doing squats, lunges crunches, along with other exercises. These exercises can increase your body's ability withstand abuse such as standing and walking through an entire 8+ hour shift.
Exercise is a great long-term, preventive measure but what about immediate relief? Anti-fatigue mats are a quick, inexpensive way to relieve foot and back pain. Use a mat such as Andersen’s 3” x 5” Cushion Max Floor Mat that includes foam to allow your body to sink into a "cushion" rather than standing firm on a hard surface. A simple item such as this can make a large difference. Cashiers who stand at registers for long periods of time stand on mats such as these to keep their back and knees from incurring pain from the weight. Andersen’s Floor Mat will also grip onto hard kitchen tiles providing a comfortable barrier between your feet and the floor without allowing it to slip or slide out from under you. The Cushion Max Floor Mat is made out of nitrile and PVC closed cell foam promising comfort and longevity.
Severe back pain can be debilitating, especially when you're at work and running a busy restaurant kitchen. There's no time to stop and take a break, you must keep going. Proper footwear, flooring, and exercise can keep you moving. At Public Kitchen Supply we provide our customers with all the tools they need to be successful, including comfort. A health-conscious lifestyle allows you to feel and work your best. Invest in quality foot support for a happier, healthier life. Visit our website at PublicKitchenSupply.com to see the products mentioned in today’s blog and other items that will help you in the kitchen.