Lifting an object off the ground seems like a simple task for most folks. It is a
task we do every day typically without question. Hollstrom & Associates Inc hears stories daily about how difficult
it is to pick something up off the ground or how reaching
for a simple pencil up off the ground triggered the
worst back pain. Our Largo chiropractic patients tell us stories like this! Strengthening the quads with exercise as part of our chiropractic services, and lifting slowly and
with a few hints in mind can potentially limit stress on the low back.
LIFTING TECHNIQUES
When it comes to posture, lifting is a renowned risk factor for
low back pain. Lifting techniques like the stoop/lifting with the back,
squat/lifting with the legs, and semi-squat/a mix of the other two are well-studied.
Squat lifting seems to be the one most report is optimal. One group
of researchers stated some odd findings
though: squat lift training didn’t stop low back
pain and stoop lifting is not a risk factor for low back pain. How
do these two findings reckon with proper lifting for back pain
prevention and management? They proposed that the lifting
posture right for each person must be individualized
as each lifting posture possesses its own biomechanical and kinematic
patterns for muscle activation making certain lifting postures better for certain patients.
Researchers explained that stoop lifting was more
metabolically efficient and less challenging to the cardiopulmonary system. This
set of researchers also recommended working with
each individual patient on the proper lifting technique suitable
for his/her body and lifting situation using the “calm tissue
down, build tissue up, improve work capacity” system. (1) Hollstrom & Associates Inc usually
looks at each of our Largo chiropractic patients and offers
ideas on managing and preventing back pain with exercise and other approaches.
A COUPLE TIPS ON LIFTING
There are some tips-and-tricks
that may help us all when lifting. A special lifting trick
known as BATT (a braced arm to thigh, one-handed lifting
method to pick up objects with the dominant hand) substantially decreased
low back loading during lifting items of 2 to 10 kg. Trunk flexion
angles were significantly decreased. Compressive and anterior-posterior
shear forces were significantly lower as well contrasted
with unsupported lifting techniques. (2) That is an easy lifting
tip we know our Largo chiropractic clients|we can all do! Another is lift slowly which is said to
lower loads on the lumbar spinal elements.
Stoop lifting had a larger lumbar spine lordosis range of motion
and produced lower total and compressive lumbar loads than squat
lifting (except at L5S1 where anterior shear loads were greater) and
freestyle lifting. (3) Therefore slow down when lifting. Use your quads to squat lift.
(If they are not very strong, Hollstrom & Associates Inc has some exercises
to strength them!)
CONTACT Hollstrom & Associates Inc
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. Tyler Lomnicki on The Back Doctors Podcast with
Dr. Michael Johnson as he discusses treatment of
a man with a disc herniation among other conditions for which The
Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management of spinal manipulation contributed
to his relief.
Schedule your Largo chiropractic appointment
with Hollstrom & Associates Inc today. When simple tasks like lifting objects
off the floor become troublesome, know that
Hollstrom & Associates Inc is here to help find a way to make them
better and troublefree for you and your spine!
"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the
DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by
Dr. James M. Cox I."