Back Problems: Proper Lifting

Introduction

No one is immune to having a back injury. Whether you have a strong back or have hurt your back before, it is well worth it to:

• Stop yourself before casually picking up a light or heavy load.
• Plan in your mind for the best way to lift what's in front of you. This could include enlisting help from one or more people.
• Lift and move slowly and carefully.

The time you take to use the right lifting mechanics is far less than the days, weeks, or months it can take to heal from a back injury.

 What types of lifting can cause injury?
 Why is it important to be careful about lifting?
 How can I lift without hurting my back?
 Where can I get more information about healthy back body mechanics?

What types of lifting can cause injury?

Before focusing on the right way to lift, review the following common lifting mistakes that easily lead to a back injury:

• Allowing the back to curve forward while you grasp an object, then lifting by straightening the back
• Bending at the hips but keeping the legs straight while grasping and lifting
• Twisting the back while lifting or holding, usually by turning the shoulders, but not the hips
• Holding an object away from the body
• Lifting a heavy object (or child) above shoulder level
• Attempting to lift an object that's too heavy or awkward for one person to safely lift
• Underestimating the need to be careful when lifting a light object

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Why is it important to be careful about lifting?

Back injury is best avoided at all costs. After the first time you have injured your back, it becomes more vulnerable to future injury. A back injury can alter your entire quality of life and possibly your livelihood, especially if it returns or becomes chronic.

Poor lifting technique can injure your back in various ways:

• Muscle or ligament strain—or tiny tears in the muscle or ligament—commonly results from a combination of poor body mechanics and too much of a burden on your back muscles.
• Spinal disc injury is often caused by forward bending of the spine and poor lifting technique. A spinal disc that is squeezed by the vertebrae above and below it can bulge or break open (herniated disc), causing back and leg pain and numbness (sciatica) and sometimes bowel and bladder problems.
• Vertebrae can become damaged during awkward lifting.

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How can I lift without hurting my back?

Follow these basic rules to protect your back while lifting:

• Keep a wide base of support. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, with one foot slightly ahead of the other (karate stance).
• Squat down, bending at the hips and knees only. If needed, put one knee to the floor and your other knee in front of you, bent at a right angle (half kneeling).
• Maintain good posture. Look straight ahead, and keep your back straight, your chest out, and your shoulders back. This helps keep your upper back straight while maintaining a slight arch in your lower back.
• Slowly lift by straightening your hips and knees (not your back). Keep your back straight, and don't twist as you lift.
• Hold the load as close to your body as possible, at the level of your belly button.
• Use your feet to change direction, taking small steps.
• Lead with your hips as you change direction. Keep your shoulders in line with your hips as you move.
• Set down your load carefully, squatting with the knees and hips only.

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Where can I get more information about healthy back body mechanics?

If you need information specific to your daily activities, you can consult with:

• A physical therapist.
• An occupational therapist.
• An ergonomic specialist.
• Your doctor.

You can find more information in the following topics:

Low Back Pain

Herniated Disc

Office Ergonomics

If you want to learn more, the following resources are available:

Organizations

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