Lifting something off the ground appears to
be a simple task for most people. It is a
task we do every day mostly without question. Vancouver Disc Centers 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 precipitated the
worst back pain. Our Vancouver chiropractic patients tell us 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 help
minimize stress on the low back.
LIFTING TECHNIQUES
When it comes to posture, lifting is a known 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 group
of researchers discussed some odd findings
though: squat lift training didn’t stop low back
pain and stoop lifting isn’t a risk factor for low back pain. How
do these two findings reckon with proper lifting for back pain
prevention and management? They suggested that the lifting
posture that is proper for each person must be personalized
as each lifting posture possesses 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 suitable
for his/her body and lifting situation using the “calm tissue
down, build tissue up, improve work capacity” system. (1) Vancouver Disc Centers usually
looks at each of our Vancouver chiropractic patients and offers
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 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 contrasted
with unsupported lifting techniques. (2) That is an easy lifting
tip we know our Vancouver chiropractic clients|we can all do! Lifting
slowly is another idea that is said to
lower loads on the lumbar spine.
Stoop lifting had a greater lumbar spine lordosis range of motion
and produced 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’re not very strong, Vancouver Disc Centers has some exercises
to strength them!)
CONTACT Vancouver Disc Centers
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. Tyler Lomnicki on The Back Doctors Podcast with
Dr. Michael Johnson as he discusses care of
a man with a disc herniation among other issues for which The
Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management of spinal manipulation contributed
to his relief.
Schedule your Vancouver chiropractic appointment
with Vancouver Disc Centers today. When effortless tasks like lifting objects
off the floor become troublesome, know that
Vancouver Disc Centers is ready 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."