Moving can not only be a source of headaches due to emotional stress, but also due to stress and tension in your neck. It can also cause lower back pain, disc problems and shoulder problems among other injuries.
Lower back pain is one of the more common injuries associated with lifting. Most people would relate it to something that is too heavy or lifting incorrectly. Proper lifting techniques are important to avoid serious lower back and neck injuries when lifting heavy objects. Points to remember:
- Stand close to the load and keep it close to your body while lifting.
- Place your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Bend your knees and keep your back straight.
- Ask for help if the load is too heavy.
- Use the strength of your leg and arm muscles not your back to lift the load.
- Avoid twisting your body while lifting.
Most people are concerned about injuring themselves on moving day while lifting the larger or heavy objects. Packing boxes using sustained postures or repetitive movements are also common mechanisms of injuries that can be overlooked. Being in a bent forward position or bending repetitively while packing can result in fatigue of the muscles that support your back and neck. As muscles fatigue, they tighten and this can result in pain or tension from muscular strain. This can also result in pain from the stress and tension building up in the discs and joints of the neck or lower back.
Tips to reduce the stresses from building up in both the upper and lower back while packing include:
- Take short and frequent breaks.
- Maintain an upright or normal posture.
- If you can sit while packing keep your upper and lower back supported.
Minimize excessive reaching or twisting.
Jeff Eaton, Chiropractor ׀ Eaton Family Health Care ׀ 738 Old Hespeler Rd
Phone: 519-622-0100 Web: eatonhealth.ca Fax: 519-622-0800