Back Pain-How To Lift Objects Without Hurting Your Back
By Dr. Heath Gallentine, DC


Many people lift things and don't realize that doing it the wrong way can take its toll on their lower back. People are at an increased risk if their job involves lifting heavy objects all the time, such as those working in delivery companies or warehouses. Even people who don't spend a lot of time lifting heavy objects are prone to back injury if they do not do it properly.   In fact, one of the major causes of back injuries is due to people lifting heavy objects in an improper manner.

Lifting objects does not need to be hazardous. There are several reasons why people hurt their backs. Perhaps one of the common mistakes is by using the wrong muscles to lift up objects. You are supposed to use the muscles in your legs and buttocks instead of the muscles in your back.

In lifting heavy objects, it is always important to bend your knees when lifting an object off the floor. This gives your spine a level foundation and avoids putting too much stress on your neck. Once you do this, it gives your spine a level foundation thus you avoid putting too much stress on it. On the other hand, it is also important to keep your body vertical while lifting heavy objects. If you do the otherwise- horizontal position, you will put a lot of stress on your lower back. The stress is often accompanied by great pressure and eventually you can suffer a slipped disc or sprain.The next mistake when lifting heavy objects is lifting the object too far from the body.

It is important to be as close as possible when you are lifting an object. By doing so, the amount of pressure on your spine will be reduced. When holding an object, it is important to make sure that you keep the object no more than eight inches away from you. Also keep your upper body vertical and use the muscles in your legs and buttocks in order to lift the object. This lifting procedure reduces the strain on your back. Also, avoid twisting your upper body when lifting heavy objects, since this can add great pressure on your spine as well.

Another minor mistake that you can do when lifting is to arch your back. As already mentioned, you need to use your legs and buttock muscles to lift the object. Arching your back simply gives you the risk of getting a back injury.
In addition, there are also some things that you need to consider before carrying items around your house or office. When lifting objects, do not reach for items higher than you. Instead, use a ladder and make sure that the object is at your chest level. If you don't do this properly, this will put pressure on your lower back. If you need to turn when lifting the object, change your footing first. Do not twist your back.

It is very important to take note that when you bend and lift, your muscles become more fatigued. The more fatigued they become, the greater the risk of injury will be incurred. If you have a very long day of lifting heavy objects, make sure that you take frequent breaks to give your muscles more time to recover. Otherwise if you don't, chances are that you will put injury on your lower back.

Lifting objects properly in order to avoid back pain is important. You need to take the proper precautions and lift using the proper techniques in order to prevent injury. A lifetime of proper body mechanics can prevent a lifetime of pain.

Call us today!

Lexington Family Chiropractic
131 Prosperous Pl #15
Lexington, KY 40509
859-264-1140