Back Problems: Proper Lifting

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

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.
• Reference Spinal disc Opens New Window 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 (Reference herniated disc Opens New Window), causing back and leg pain and numbness (Reference sciatica Opens New Window) and sometimes bowel and bladder problems.
• Reference Vertebrae Opens New Window can become damaged during awkward lifting.

Follow these Reference basic rules to protect your back while lifting Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window:

• 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.

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

• A Reference physical therapist Opens New Window.
• An Reference occupational therapist Opens New Window.
• An Reference ergonomic Opens New Window specialist.
• Your doctor.

You can find more information in the following topics:

Reference Low Back Pain

Reference Herniated Disc

Reference Office Ergonomics

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

Organizations

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