Have you heard how lifting can be hard on
a low back? If you are a Sitka chiropractic patient with low back
pain, you have! You’ve likely even experienced it personally.
Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka explains proper lifting techniques with
our back pain patients in the beginning of treatment. It is
essential to keep the spine protected
while it heals! New studies report that back supports and even hand
support techniques while lifting can help.
MECHANICAL LOADING DURING LIFTING
Mechanical loading is a major risk factor for low
back pain. The loading may be from a heavy or light object
that triggers Sitka back pain. Much of how the pain
comes on is due to how the back muscles act during the lift. Newly
designed “exoskeletons” are being explored. They go beyond a
back brace but show some promise in decreasing
lumbar flexion and decreasing the compressive force on the back
by 13-21% while bending. Peak compressive force during lifting was lowered
by 14%. The researchers are hopeful that such devices could reduce
the risk of compression-related tissue failure while lifting. (1) For
now, Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka focuses on what is accessible today to help our Sitka back pain patients control
their back pain once the pain is diminished by controlling their
spine-related motions.
CHIROPRACTIC LIFTING TIPS
It would seem that there would be a huge
difference in spine action between picking up a pencil and lifting a crate, but
there isn’t much difference when it comes to how
the low back responds during lifting. Crazy! Researchers
explored how most people pick things up
off the floor – with a hand on a thigh for support – made a difference. They proposed
that it would result in decreased load on the back.
The volunteers lifted two types of things - a pencil and a crate - off
the floor with researchers noting every move and muscle
response. Getting the pencil with a hand on a
thigh for support while bending over reduced the average
peak total stresses by 17 to 25% (depending on the lifting method). Hand
support while lifting the crate dropped the peak total stresses
by 13-19% for one-handed lifting and 14-26% for two-handed lifting. (2) Hand
support during lifting may protect the low back. Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka
has some other approaches to limit spinal stress during lifting to control Sitka back pain and its recurrence:
support belts to exercise to spinal manipulation to back school. It is
a comprehensive treatment plan you will want to embrace!
CONTACT Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka
Listen to the PODCAST
with Dr. Matthew Alexander on the
Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he
shares the effectiveness and gentleness
of the Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain
Management for his patient with spinal stenosis and low back pain.
Schedule your next Sitka
chiropractic appointment with Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka. Lifting can stress
the low back. Chiropractic care alleviates the
stress on the low back for back pain relief. Call us today!
"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."