Bending can strain or even injure your back. Follow the tips below to move safely and protect your back as you perform everyday activities.

• Keep your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Move your whole body as one unit.
• Bend at your hips and knees, not at your waist.
• Flatten your stomach and tighten your leg muscles.
• To keep your spine straight, let your buttocks move out behind you. Don't try to tuck them under.
• If you need to, place one hand on a sturdy object for support.

• Lower yourself to one knee. If you can, rest one hand on a sturdy object to help lower yourself.
• Rest one arm on your raised knee.
• Don't bend at the waist.
• Don't hunch your back or neck to reach to the floor. Instead, bend more at your hips and knees to get closer.