The lifting of heavy objects is one of the most frequent causes of back pain and injury. Being mindful and intentional about how you move your body when lifting objects is necessary.
This applies whether you lift objects as part of your job, your favorite hobby, or everyday life. Many people are amazed to understand that the proper technique for lifting heavy objects looks a little bit different than the way they may automatically move when lifting.
It’s essential to understand why lifting heavy objects the right way is so important. You’re putting yourself at risk for many different types of injuries when lifting objects improperly. Unfortunately, the back can be gradual to heal. For some people, that indicates that lifting injuries can create issues with pain, mobility, and limited range of motion for years. Here’s a look at the general injury types caused by lifting objects the wrong way:
Muscle Injuries: A muscle injury frequently occurs when getting out of the proper position during a lift. This shift in your movement can put stress on the muscles to the point of being strained or torn. A strained muscle in the back can make it uncomfortable to breath for weeks during the healing process.
Disc Injuries: It’s likely to rupture a disc using the wrong motions. A ruptured disc in the back is a very painful injury that can create burning and radiating pain throughout the buttocks and legs.
Joint Injuries: While joints are able of handling stress under normal conditions, they may be compromised if you use a hazardous lifting technique. Joint injuries caused by lifting typically result from strained movements that cause them to become locked in place.
One wrong movement can put a wide variety of muscles, discs and joints located throughout your back and the surrounding areas at risk. The good news is that you don’t have to be susceptible to back injuries just because you’re required to lift objects. Look at some simple techniques for smarter lifting to have in the back of your mind. Bend at your hips, point your chest forward, don’t twist, and embrace the object you are lifting are a few necessary things to remember.
Common sense can also save you from unnecessary injuries. It’s important to be realistic about what you can lift on your own. It’s always better to wait to lift an object with the help of another person. Look at the following methods to know about when lifting objects:
- If you lift objects as part of your job, daily stretches and exercises are critical. It may be worth the effort to learn some professional techniques from a chiropractor if lifting is a part of your job.
- Take breaks between lifting objects.
- If an object is located above your shoulders, use a ladder or stepstool to get it in the safe lifting zone between your shoulders and knees before you lift it.
- Don’t ever assume that a lifting injury is something that you can just shake off. Take a break if you’ve experienced pain or discomfort during or after a lift. You may benefit from being evaluated if you suspect that something was strained, torn or shifted during movement.
If you are experiencing any of the above injuries or are active with lifting heavy objects at your job, call Fogarty Chiropractic Life Clinic now at (321) 636-5200 to schedule your appointment today.
