Lifting Habits That Help Protect the Back
By Genevieve Cunningham
Lifting is a part of life. Even if you’re not big on weight lifting, there’s a good chance that you have to lift moderately heavy items on a regular basis. Books, kids, furniture, computers … the possibilities are endless. The unfortunate part about having to lift regularly is that it can be hard on the body. And this is especially true if you’re not diligent about using good lifting habits. To protect your back, take a look at these lifting habits to be aware of both during and after your task.
Use Those Legs
When it comes to lifting something heavy, you really are supposed to lift with the legs. This takes the strain off of your lower back, and can both prevent injury and minimize pain. Bend at the knees and keep the back straight as you lower, lift, and raise your body again. If you’re doing it right, you’ll notice stress in the legs and glutes rather than in the back.
Take Breaks When Necessary
Don’t be afraid to take a break when the strain gets to be too much. If that means it takes you a little longer to lift or move something, so be it. Breaks give your body the chance to rest and recuperate so that you can complete the task without a heightened risk of injury.
Ask for Help
If something is exceptionally heavy, get some help from a friend. This helps distribute the weight and takes a great deal of strain off of your body. The more people who can help, the easier it is on everyone. Ask for some additional support, and your body will be much better off when the lifting task is finished.
Get Chiropractic Care
If you have to lift things on a regular basis, it is a great idea to add chiropractic care to your normal routine. Chiropractors use gentle manipulation to remove restrictions from the vertebrae of the spine. This action also reduces pain and can make movement easier. If you make these visits regular, it can improve the health of your spine on a more permanent basis and make lifting an easier and safer endeavor.
If you want to add chiropractic care to your life, check out The Joint Chiropractic. At The Joint, getting care is easier than ever before. Just use their walk-in visits and affordable pricing to get quality care without the hassle. With better lifting habits and regular care, your back will be the healthiest on the block. Get moving in a healthy and pain-free direction beginning with a quick trip to The Joint as soon as today.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Las Vegas, Nev.