Chiropractic Care for People Who Do Physical Labor
By Paul Rothbart
There are many people out there who do heavy physical labor for a living. Construction workers, road crews, warehouse workers. They involve heavy lifting and using tools that require strength and stamina. Many of them pay well but they are very hard on the body. I can attest to this personally. As a young man, I once took a job using a jackhammer. I was enticed by the pay, more than I had ever earned. I lasted a mere two days. Many people last two decades or more. Physical laborers need to take steps to protect their bodies, especially their backs and joints. Here are some things to keep in mind if you do heavy physical work.
Correct Work Techniques
There is a safe way to lift heavy loads or use tools in physically demanding jobs. First, always warm up. This may seem out of place. Warm-ups are for athletes, right? But physical work puts every bit as much strain on the body as sports, probably more so. Stretching before a shift and even some light calisthenics will warm up the muscles and tendons, get the blood flowing and allow you to perform optimally. It can also help prevent injury. Tools such as shovels, picks, and rakes should be used the way they are designed to be. Use their leverage to lighten the load. Likewise power tools. Put the load on the legs and never the back.
Safety Gear
Back braces, safety harnesses, and hard hats exist for a reason. They protect important parts of the body. Don't neglect using them because they are uncomfortable or you feel you don't need them. Smart people outlast those who try to tough it out. Use your safety gear and use it properly. Also, inspect it periodically to make sure it is in good shape and functioning properly.
See a Chiropractic
No matter how safe you are, heavy loads place stress on the spine and joints. Subluxations, compressed discs, and other problems can happen. A great way to deal with these is chiropractic treatment. Regular adjustments by a licensed chiropractor can reduce pain and prevent serious damage that will keep you out of work. A body in correct adjustment also works at its best. You can work harder for longer without overly stressing the spine and joints.
Heavy physical labor can feel rewarding but it is very hard on the body. Working safely, being smart, and using tools and safety gear properly are essential to avoid injury. Anyone who has a physical job should seriously consider making chiropractic care a regular part of their healthcare. If you lift things all day, stop by The Joint Chiropractic and see what a licensed chiropractor can do to help keep your body in good health.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in San Jose, Calif.