Lifting - Never Break the Rules

When it comes to lifting the rules are not made to be broken. The number one cause of low back injuries seen in chiropractic offices is due to improper lifting. If it is repetitive lifting or lifting something heavy, there is a right and a wrong way to do it. The following are the golden rules of lifting and these should be used at all times.
RULES:

1. Size up the object you are going to lift and decide how to best grip to carry it
2. Put your feet solidly close to the object to be lifted and square your body to it
3. Squat bending your legs not your back
4. Lift the object as close to your body as possible
5. Use your leg and arm muscles not your back muscles
6. Lift objects all the way up until you are standing and then move your feet
7. Never twist your spine when lifting
8. Get help for heavy objects or use a dolly
9. Try placing an object on a shelf if you are going to lift it again
10. Always lift an object, turn your feet and throw it the direction you want it to go

Lifting injuries are also commonly caused because people do not warm up their backs or they work too long at an activity that is not part of their every day routine. When your back first starts to hurt is the time to take a break. Your body’s way of telling you to behave is by making things hurt. Always listen to your back and remember the rules of lifting.