Many people don't realize the importance of lifting objects properly in order to avoid hurting their backs. One of the leading causes of back injuries are due to people lifting heavy objects improperly. In this article I will go over the proper procedures for lifting heavy objects in order to avoid back pain.

Lifting things doesn't have to be hazardous, whether you're at home or at work. Many people put lots of stress on their backs on a regular basis, especially those who have jobs in warehouses or delivery companies. Even those who don't spend lots of time lifting heavy objects can make their backs prone to injury over time even if they lift small objects if they do it improperly.

There are two primary mistakes that many people make when lifting objects. The first mistake is using the wrong muscles to lift up objects. You're supposed to use the muscles in your legs and buttocks instead of the muscles in your back.

It is always important to bend your knees when lifting an object off the floor. This gives your spine a level foundation and avoids putting too much stress on it. It is important to keep your upper body vertical when lifting instead of horizontal. Having your upper body horizontal will put a lot of stress on your lower back. This pressure could be hundreds of pounds, and eventually you'll suffer a slipped disc or sprain.

The second mistake people often make is lifting an object too far from their bodies. It is important to be as close as possible to whatever you're lifting. By holding the object close to you, the amount of pressure exerted on your spine is reduced.

You want to hold the object by its center and keep it eight inches away from you when you lift. Keep your upper body vertical and use the muscles in your knees and buttocks in order to lift it. By doing this you avoid damaging you back. You also want to avoid twisting your upper body when you left objects as this can add pressure to your spine as well.

Lifting objects properly in order to avoid back pain is important. If you lift a ten pound object at arms length, you are putting at least one hundred and fifty pounds of pressure on your lower back. If you hold an eighty eight pound object at arms length, a massive seven hundred pounds is being exerted on your back.

Back pain, especially when the pain is in the lower back, commonly shows itself in the form of muscle strain, muscle spasm or a slipped disc. People will injury their back most often by lifting something wrong. The item need not be heavy; though lifting something heavy can strain your back. But even lifting something light using the wrong muscles in your back can cause strain and pain. Bending wrong or for too long, like working in your garden or shoveling the snow, can also cause back problems. The strain can cause a disc in the spine to bulge out between the bones and put pressure on the nerves. This is known as a slipped disc.
There are some things you can do to ease this pain in your back. Usually treatment is simple and requires a few days bed rest, but no more, as more tends to weaken your muscles. Hot and cold treatments are also recommended. This is in the form of ice packs or a hot water bottle or heating pad. Which you use is based solely on preference and what works best for you. When doing these treatments you should be sure to use the heat or […]

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Back pain is extremely common, over 80% of adults will experience lower back pain in their lifetime, the lower back supports the majority of the body weight and it is very susceptible to pain caused by factors such as herniated or slipped disc, muscle or ligament damage, joint problems and poor muscle tone. Typical symptoms of back pain are a steady ache or a sharp pain that worsens with movement. A sharp pain will shoot down the leg if the sciatic nerve is irritated. People who are more likely to suffer from back pain are those who work involves lifting heavy objects, bending awkwardly and those spending long period of time sitting or standing, these factors are increased by being out of shape. Pregnant women are also susceptible to lower back pain.

Back pain can be helped by many factors, first look after your back, lift objects properly and participate in exercises that strengthen you back, quit smoking (smoking reduces nutrition to the spinal discs), do not stay in bed too long, try to get mobile (unless you have a slipped disc), try hot and cold compresses and with chronic back pain (back pain that last more than 3 months) see a chiropractor. If your back pain persists, then see a doctor, their may be other factors involved such as fractures, nerve damage, arthritis, spinal tumour and infections. Some people have found that acupuncture and massage also helps with back pain.

The following supplements may help if you are suffering from back pain.

Boron

Bromelain

Calcium

Devil's claw

Evening Primrose Oil

Extracts of New Zealand green-lipped mussels

Fish Oil

Glucosamine Sulphate

Magnesium

Manganese

Multivitamins and minerals

Vitamin B1

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B6

Vitamin C

Vitamin D

Vitamin K

Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh

Advice for a healthier natural life

website: http://www.newbeingnutrition.com