Lifting something off the ground seems like a simple task for most folks. It is a
task we do every day mostly without hesitation. Clients at Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. share these kinds
of 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 precipitated the
worst back pain. Our Auburn 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 suggestions in mind can potentially limit stress on the spine.
LIFTING TECHNIQUES
When it comes to posture, lifting is a known 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-documented.
Squat lifting seems to be the one most report is optimal. One set
of researchers presented some odd findings
though: squat lift training didn’t prevent low back
pain and stoop lifting is not a risk factor for low back pain. How
do these two points reckon with suitable lifting for back pain
prevention and management? They proposed that the lifting
posture right for each person must be personalized
as each lifting posture has its own biomechanical and kinematic
patterns for muscle activation making certain lifting postures better for certain patients.
Researchers described that stoop lifting was more
metabolically efficient and less challenging to the cardiopulmonary system. This
set of researchers further recommended working with
each individual client 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) Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. typically
looks at each of our Auburn chiropractic patients and offers
ideas on managing and preventing back pain with exercise and other approaches.
A COUPLE TIPS ON LIFTING
There are a few methods
that may support us all when lifting. A special lifting trick
known as BATT (a braced arm to thigh, one-handed lifting
method to retrieve objects with the dominant hand) substantially decreased
low back loading during lifting items of 2 to 10 kg. Trunk flexion
angles were significantly reduced. Compressive and anterior-posterior
shear forces were significantly lower as well compared
with unsupported lifting techniques. (2) That is an easy lifting
tip we know our Auburn chiropractic clients|we can all do! Lifting
slowly is another idea that reportedly lowered loads on the lumbar spine.
Stoop lifting had a greater 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 higher) and
freestyle lifting. (3) So slow down when lifting. Use your quads to squat lift.
(If they are not very strong, let’s talk about strengthening them!)
CONTACT Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C.
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 issues for which The
Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management of spinal manipulation contributed
to his relief.
Schedule your Auburn chiropractic appointment
with Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. today. When effortless tasks like lifting objects
off the floor become problematic, know that
Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. is available to help find a way to make them
better and easier 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."