Avoid Injuries by Lifting Things Safely and Correctly

How many times have you heard someone say "I hurt my back lifting (insert item here______________")?
Lifting things is a major cause of back injuries such as pulled muscles and pinched nerves to even more serious conditions as herniated or bulging discs. According to some studies, back injuries are second only to the common cold in documented missed work days every year. Needless to say, it appears that if it is almost as easy to injure your back as it is to get the sniffles, then this phenomenon should probably be addressed.

Surprisingly enough, a heavy object isn't always the culprit that causes a person to become injured. Many times a twenty or thirty pound item can cause an injury which could sideline an otherwise healthy individual. As we discussed in the last blog, a strong core can be a lifesaver in regard to back injuries. However, a strong core is just one link in the chain that will keep you injury and pain free. Learning to lift things correctly can mean the difference between being laid up in bed in pain for the entire weekend and enjoying the weekend with friends and family.
Most lifting injuries are caused because an individual bends at the waist and essentially lifts an object with the arms and the back alone. This all too common but incorrect technique puts an enormous amount of stress on the back. When the back is enlisted to complete a task all on its own, injuries are likely to occur. Many minor and even major back and neck injuries can be avoided by applying a few easy techniques.
Let's look at these easy techniques that we can incorporate into our everyday lives and help us stay pain and injury free.

1) Stand close to the object that you wish to lift
2) Bend at the knees and keep your back straight and your eyes pointed forward
3) Hold the object close to your body and rise slowly with your legs
4) Slowly bend at the knees and lower the object into its intended place.

Follow these simple steps every time you need to lift something and give yourself a great chance to avoid painful injuries.