Lifting something off the ground appears to
be a simple task for most folks. It is a
task we do every day typically without question. Chiropractic Solutions hears stories daily about how hard
it is to pick something up off the ground or how getting a simple pencil up off the ground triggered the
worst back pain. Our San Jose 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 potentially limit 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-studied.
Squat lifting seems to be the one most report is optimal. One set
of researchers shared some odd findings
though: squat lift training did not prevent low back
pain and stoop lifting isn’t a risk factor for low back pain. How
do these two findings figure into proper 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 making 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 suggested 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) Chiropractic Solutions usually
looks at each of our San Jose 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 support us all when lifting. A special lifting technique
known 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 decreased. Compressive and anterior-posterior
shear forces were significantly lower as well compared
with unsupported lifting techniques. (2) That is a simple lifting
tip we know our San Jose chiropractic clients|we can all do! Lifting
slowly is another idea that is said to
lower loads on the lumbar spinal elements.
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, Chiropractic Solutions has some exercises
to strength them!)
CONTACT Chiropractic Solutions
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 issues for which The
Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management of spinal manipulation assisted in his relief.
Schedule your San Jose chiropractic appointment
with Chiropractic Solutions today. When effortless tasks like lifting objects
off the floor become troublesome, know that
Chiropractic Solutions 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."