Lifting something off the ground seems like a simple task for most people. It is one we do every day mostly without question. Spine & Sports Rehab 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 Baton Rouge 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 suggestions in mind can help
minimize stress on the spine.
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-documented.
Squat lifting seems to be the one most report is optimal. One group
of researchers stated some odd findings
though: squat lift training did not stop low back
pain and stoop lifting is not a risk factor for low back pain. How
do these two findings figure into appropriate lifting for back pain
prevention and management? They suggested that the lifting
posture right for each person must be personalized
as each lifting posture offers its own biomechanical and kinematic
patterns for muscle activation which make particular lifting
postures better for particular 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 patient on the proper lifting technique appropriate
for his/her body and lifting situation using the “calm tissue
down, build tissue up, improve work capacity” system. (1) Spine & Sports Rehab Center typically
looks at each of our Baton Rouge chiropractic patients and presents
ideas on managing and preventing back pain with exercise and other approaches.
A COUPLE TIPS ON LIFTING
There are some methods
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 decreased
low back loading during 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 Baton Rouge 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, Spine & Sports Rehab Center has some exercises
to strength them!)
CONTACT Spine & Sports Rehab Center
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 conditions for which The
Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management of spinal manipulation assisted in his relief.
Schedule your Baton Rouge chiropractic appointment
with Spine & Sports Rehab Center today. When effortless tasks like lifting objects
off the floor become difficult, know that
Spine & Sports Rehab Center is here 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."