Lifting an object off the ground seems like a simple task for most folks. It’s one we do every day mostly without question. Novelli Wellness Center hears stories every day about how difficult
it is to pick something up off the ground or how picking up a simple pencil up off the ground triggered the
worst back pain. Our Orchard Park, NY chiropractic patients share
common stories like this! Strengthening the quads with exercise as part of our chiropractic services, and lifting slowly and
with a few tips in mind can potentially limit stress on the spine.
LIFTING TECHNIQUES
When it comes to posture, lifting is a notorious risk factor for
low back pain. Lifting techniques like the stoop/lifting with the back,
squat/lifting with the legs, and semi-squat/a mix of the other two are well-documented.
Squat lifting seems to be the one most report is optimal. One set
of researchers presented some odd findings
though: squat lift training didn’t stop low back
pain and stoop lifting is not a risk factor for low back pain. How
do these two points figure into proper lifting for back pain
prevention and management? They suggested that the lifting
posture right for each person must be individualized
as each lifting posture has its own biomechanical and kinematic
patterns for muscle activation which make certain lifting postures better for certain patients.
Researchers explained that stoop lifting was more
metabolically efficient and less challenging to the cardiopulmonary system. This
set of researchers further recommended working with
each individual client on the proper lifting technique appropriate
for his/her body and lifting situation following the “calm tissue
down, build tissue up, improve work capacity” system. (1) Novelli Wellness Center typically
looks at each of our Orchard Park, NY chiropractic patients and presents
ideas on managing and preventing back pain with exercise and other approaches.
A COUPLE TIPS ON LIFTING
There are some techniques
that may help us all when lifting. A special lifting technique
referred to as BATT (a braced arm to thigh, one-handed lifting
method to pick up objects with the dominant hand) substantially reduced
low back loading during lifting items of 2 to 10 kg. Trunk flexion
angles were significantly reduced. Compressive and anterior-posterior
shear forces were significantly lower as well contrasted
with unsupported lifting techniques. (2) That is an easy lifting
tip we know our Orchard Park, NY chiropractic clients|we can all do! Lifting
slowly is another idea that reportedly lowered loads on the lumbar spinal elements.
Stoop lifting had a greater lumbar spine lordosis range of motion
and created lower total and compressive lumbar loads than squat
lifting (except at L5S1 where anterior shear loads were higher) and
freestyle lifting. (3) Therefore slow down when lifting. Use your quads to squat lift.
(If they are not very strong, Novelli Wellness Center has some exercises
to strength them!)
CONTACT Novelli Wellness Center
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. Tyler Lomnicki on The Back Doctors Podcast with
Dr. Michael Johnson as he discusses treatment of
a man with a disc herniation among other conditions for which The
Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management of spinal manipulation contributed
to his relief.
Schedule your Orchard Park, NY chiropractic appointment
with Novelli Wellness Center today. When effortless tasks like lifting objects
off the floor become difficult, know that
Novelli Wellness Center is here to help find a way to make them
better and troublefree for you and your spine!
"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the
DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by
Dr. James M. Cox I."