Our top tips for cooking without pain:
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- Check your tools – are you using the right tool for the job? Are the tools the right size for you? Are they in good working order? Knives, in particular, can be very heavy and this can make holding and using them very uncomfortable if you have neck and shoulder pain. Conditions such as arthritic fingers and carpal tunnel syndrome may also be aggravated. So if chopping is uncomfortable, it would be advisable to try out some alternative kitchen tools. As well as weight, the size and shape of the handles could be a factor. It is possible to get tools with handles that are designed to be more comfortable to use, so it is worth doing some research and trying them out.
- Sit down if you need to – my patients often tell me that standing and working in the kitchen is a trigger for their back and leg pain. This could be due to the increased strain on joints, but your psoas muscles can also contribute to that feeling of needing to bend over or sit down. When they tighten up at the front of your spine, it causes back pain and stiffness – more information can be found here. Perching stools can help, and changing position when you become uncomfortable.
- Are you working at the right height for you? If you notice that your symptoms tend to increase with particular activities, try to be aware of the position that you are working in. If you are having to reach too high, or bend forward too far, your body will have to compensate – try to feel for the initial tension, which often builds up before the pain gets worse. If you can change what your body isn’t happy with, as soon as you feel it, your system will tend to settle much more quickly.
- Ask for help – lifting hot, heavy pans on and off the cooker and in and out of the oven can easily become very painful and potentially dangerous. What would you do if your back went into spasm while you are carrying the turkey? If you don’t have anyone that you can ask to help with the heavy tasks, consider splitting the food into smaller pans, which are lighter to lift. Planning the movement beforehand can also help – is there a clear surface nearby to put the heavy pan onto? And remember to move your feet to change direction, even in a small space – backs hate it when you bend and twist.
Don’t let pain stop you!
