Tips for Heavy Lifting With a Healthy Back
By Genevieve Cunningham
When you think of lifting heavy, you might think of bodybuilders or men and women with rippling muscles. While this is a normal thought process, the truth is that we all have to lift heavy objects from time to time. Boxes, furniture, children, and a million other things have to be lifted and moved on a regular basis. It's not something that can be avoided. And unfortunately, it's also something that can cause pain in the back, neck, or rest of the body. If you would like to protect your body through these heavy lifting sessions, take a look at these easy tips that you can do every day.
Use Those Legs
You have heard that lifting with your legs is very important in protecting the rest of your body. And if you are trying to prevent back pain or injury, this is advice that should definitely be followed. When you lift something heavy, keep your back straight and bend at the knees. Try not to bend very far at the waist, and keep your core strong, tight, and pulled in. Lifting with the legs gives your body the best in the way of balance and strength, and also protects the spine from overworking itself and causing injury.
Get Some Help
It’s OK to ask for help when you need it. And if you’re going to be lifting something heavy, getting a little help might save your health. Ask another person or a group of people to help you lift very heavy objects and move them to their proper location. This helps to distribute the weight and keeps any one person from straining their bodies too much. If you don't have any extra help, try using supportive devices such as pulleys or dollies.
Strengthen the Back
Keeping the back strong is crucial for long-term protection of the spine. A few ways to improve back health and strength include:
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Regular exercise - It's important, and you know it. Now make it a priority. Exercise at least four times a week to build proper strength in the back … and in the body as a whole.
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Stretching - Far too many people ignore the importance of flexibility. Inflexibility leads to injury, which of course leads to pain. Stretch every day, multiple times a day if possible, and you’ll likely see major benefit come to your health.
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Chiropractic care - This is, by far, the best way to protect the back. Chiropractors may be able to use gentle manipulation to remove restrictions from the vertebrae of the spine. This can alleviate pain, boost mobility, and continually protect the spine from injury. Make this a part of your life, and you’ll be far ahead of the game.
If you would like to add chiropractic care to your life, start with a visit to The Joint Chiropractic. At The Joint, getting care is easy and stress-free. Just use their walk-in visits and affordable pricing to get the care you need without the hassle. A little care can go a long way in protecting the back and keeping your whole body healthy. Lift with more ease and less worry beginning with a quick trip to The Joint as soon as today.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Charlotte, N.C.