Instead of avoiding the kitchen, now is the perfect time to plan a way to control pain while you cook.

Make or stage dishes ahead of time

Sit down and look at your meal plan. Break it down into things that can be made ahead of time and things that can be staged before the big day.

Why stand when you can sit?

Try moving that cutting board to the table and chop while sitting. Try moving those green beans to the living room and snap while sitting or reclining. Just remember to have good posture!

Lean on your high counter top

Especially if you have low back pain, leaning on a high counter top with both hands bearing some of your weight can help take some pressure away from the spine joints.

Find comfortable positions

Play around with different body positions while you cook by using available furniture, step stools, books or pillows. Frequently changing body positions while you cook can greatly improve the way you feel.

Ask for help

Just because you are the host or hostess, it does not mean that your guest should not have to lift a finger while you are blinded with pain. Go ahead, be brave, and ask for help.

Take breaks

Do not try to do everything at once. Set your timer for every hour and take a 10 to 20 minute break in your favorite chair – like a zero gravity chair. Pacing yourself with frequent breaks can help you endure cooking while in pain.

Source: www.healthcentral.com; Christina Lasich; March 30, 2013.