Some Smart Lifting Tips From the Chiropractor
By Rachel Carver
Even if you don't lift heavy objects for a living, you still routinely pick things up. You carry heavy bags of trash. You lug heavy bags of pet food into your house from the car. And have you ever overestimated how heavy something was?
The back is made up of many bones, ligaments, muscles, and joints. It only takes one time of trying to move a heavy object or just lifting it incorrectly to injure yourself. If this happens, chiropractic care might be what you need.
How Chiropractors Help
Chiropractors are licensed medical professionals. They are trained to care for the back and joints. They can treat the cause of your pain. Pain medication will only give you temporary relief.
Chiropractors can also find problems before they become serious. Repairing injured joints can also improve flexibility and range of motion, getting you ready for the next heavy item you have to carry.
In addition to visiting your neighborhood Joint Chiropractic clinic, here are some tips for safer lifting.
Plan Ahead
You have a task to complete and want to get it done as soon as possible. But planning can save you time and decrease injury risk.
Think through how you will lift the object. If you are moving furniture, recruit a family member or friend to help. Couches and beds always need multiple movers. However, items such as large chairs might also need two movers. Plan the final destination of the object before you lift it. Pick your clear path in advance to help avoid awkward movements.
Lift Close to Your Body
Holding objects close to your body will give you more stability and strength. Make sure you are firmly gripping the object before you lift. Coordinate with your partner to keep it balanced.
Place Your Feet Even With Your Shoulders
You need a solid base to lift effectively. Placing your feet too close together will make you unstable. If your feet are too far apart, your movement will be impaired. Take short steps as you lift.
Bend Your Knees And Straighten Your Back
A neutral spine is important in maintaining posture, exercising, and lifting. Practice lifting before you pick up the object. Think about your position as you lift. Bend your knees to raise the object, avoiding bending at the waist or hips.
Lifting can stress the body. Whether you lifted something too heavy or have back pain from something else, consider a visit to The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you. The Joint team will treat your pain and quickly get you back to your life. The Joint's affordable pricing and walk-in visits make care accessible to everyone.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lubbock, Tex.