Tips to help prevent back pain caused by tekking
By Scratch Staff | 11 October 2018 | Expert Advice, Feature
Dr. Joanna Lowry-Corry, clinical director and Doctor of Chiropractic at the London Wellness Centre, serves up practical advice to help aid posture and prevent pain caused by day-to-day nail tekking…
Due to the nature of a nail technician’s job, I would expect many to experience headaches and neck pain, with the possibility of radiating arm pain and tightness or a burning sensation between the shoulder blades and down towards the lower back. Further on from the muscular skeletal, nail technicians may experience digestive issues, irritable bowel syndrome or constipation, and perhaps asthma or shortness of breath.
Sitting for four hours straight can decrease your blood circulation, concentration, digestion and breathing, which will impact your entire body. While symptoms can be treated later in life, there is no medication to stop these impacts – so prevention is better than cure.
It is probably inevitable that posture will be affected through the regular performance of nail treatments, however there are some factors to consider in order to ease the impact.
Practical pointers
- Sit square to your desk facing the client with your feet on the floor and knees slightly lower than your hips.
- Sit as straight and upright as possible, or take regular breaks if doing intricate work.
- Stand up or walk the client around your retail area during the consultation process.
- Vary the type of treatments you offer or alternate with other staff members so that you are doing a combination of manicures and pedicures each day; not just pedicures, for example.
- Take a short break after each treatment, and move, sit or stand in positions reverse to what you were doing throughout the treatment.
- Stay hydrated.
- Get up and stretch regularly to extend your spine. Work on quads, glutes and bends to the side and rotate your body.
- Put your client at a higher level where possible, such as a raised pedicure platform or adjustable chair to prevent you from crouching for each appointment.
Ultimately, ensure prolonged health by moving well, eating well and thinking well. These are the hardest things to do – yet are things we should seek help for constantly. Encourage your fellow team members, and help them to encourage you, to move and eat well each working day. Much like a client visits you regularly, and you should prioritise your wellbeing and see a chiropractor in addition to regular exercise – and before pain hits first.