Lifting something off the ground appears to
be a simple task for most folks. It is a
task we do every day mostly without question. The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR hears stories daily about how hard
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 Colorado Springs 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 hints in mind can potentially limit stress on the low back.
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-studied.
Squat lifting seems to be the one most report is optimal. One set
of researchers discussed some odd findings
though: squat lift training did not stop low back
pain and stoop lifting isn’t a risk factor for low back pain. How
do these two points figure into suitable lifting for back pain
prevention and management? They proposed that the lifting
posture that is proper for each person must be individualized
as each lifting posture possesses its own biomechanical and kinematic
patterns for muscle activation which make particular lifting
postures better for particular patients.
Researchers described that stoop lifting was more
metabolically efficient and less challenging to the cardiopulmonary system. This
set of researchers also recommended working with
each individual patient on the proper lifting technique suitable
for his/her body and lifting situation using the “calm tissue
down, build tissue up, improve work capacity” system. (1) The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR typically
looks at each of our Colorado Springs chiropractic patients and offers
ideas on managing and preventing back pain with exercise and other approaches.
A COUPLE TIPS ON LIFTING
There are a few techniques
that may support us all when lifting. A special lifting trick
referred to as BATT (a braced arm to thigh, one-handed lifting
method to retrieve objects with the dominant hand) substantially reduced
low back loading while lifting items of 2 to 10 kg. Trunk flexion
angles were significantly decreased. Compressive and anterior-posterior
shear forces were significantly lower as well compared
with unsupported lifting techniques. (2) That is an easy lifting
tip we know our Colorado Springs chiropractic clients|we can all do! Another is lift slowly which is said to
lower loads on the lumbar spine.
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 greater) and
freestyle lifting. (3) So slow down when lifting. Use your quads to squat lift.
(If they are not very strong, let’s talk about strengthening them!)
CONTACT The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR
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 assisted in his relief.
Schedule your Colorado Springs chiropractic appointment
with The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR today. When effortless tasks like lifting objects
off the floor become troublesome, know that
The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR is available to help find a way to make them
better and easier 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."