• 516-541-1064
May 14, 2018 Admin

Massapequa Chiropractor

When lifting heavy objects, it is essential that you use proper lifting techniques; not doing so can put a dangerous amount of stress and pressure on your back, eventually leading to chronic back injuries. Some of the more common back conditions include muscle strains, ligament sprains, disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, and pinched nerves.

Massapequa chiropractor

Here at Massapequa Pain Management & Rehabilitation, we recognize the importance of using proper lifting form. Below is a list of lifting techniques:

  • Keep a wide base and then squat

Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and have one foot ahead of the other. Make sure your back is straight when you squat down. Keeping your back as straight as possible will prevent injuries. You should also avoid bending down from your waist.

  • Use your knees and legs

When you lift up, make sure that you use the muscles in your legs instead of your back. Your knees and legs were designed for lifting heavy objects. Make sure you push up slowly until your legs and knees reach an upright position.

  • Assess the object’s weight beforehand

You don’t want to discover that an object is too heavy after you have already started trying to lift it. Try to determine if an object will be too heavy before you make an attempt to pick it up. Don’t be afraid to enlist another person to help!

  • Plan out where you are going

You should determine what path you are going to take and where you are going to place the item down. Going over your pathway will ensure any uneven ground or objects have been assessed.

  • Keep the heavy object close to your body when lifting

This will minimize the strain this weight will have on your muscles. The farther away the object is from your body, the more effort that is required to keep it up.

  • Don’t hold your breath or twist

Holding your breath while lifting a heavy object might cause you to get dizzy or worse, pass out. Focus on breathing deeply. Twisting your hips can also cause damage to your back when lifting.

These tips should significantly decrease the likelihood of you injuring your back when lifting a heavy object. However, accidents do happen, and sometimes back injuries are unavoidable. In these cases, visiting a Massapequa chiropractor might be necessary. Here at Massapequa Pain Management & Rehabilitation, our multi-disciplinary practice can provide you with a wide range of services related to back injuries including chiropractic, physical therapy, pain management, and orthopedic spine care. Depending on the nature of your injury, we can assess which specialty is right for you. If you are suffering from a back injury, set up an appointment with our Massapequa chiropractor today!