Correct Lifting Technique to Save Your Back - Whether at Office or Home

Throughout the lift you must attempt to retain the hollow in your low back

The lift should be applied by straightening the legs. Avoid using the back as a crane to lift the weight.

Correct lifting technique involves the following: 

• Stand close to the load; have a firm footing and a wide stance.

• Accentuate the lordosis.• Bend your knees to go down to the load and keep your backstraight.

• Get a secure grip and hold the load as close to you as possiible.

• Lean back to stay in balance and lift the load by straightening the knees.

• Take a steady lift; do not jerk.

• When upright, shift your feet to tum and avoid twisting the low back.

Lifting objects with your back rounded  has been found to raise the pressure in the discs to a much higher level than that existing when the weight is held with the body upright and the lordosis present. Just as back problems associated with bending seem to occur very frequently in the first four or five hours of the day, so it is with lifting; especially so if you are lifting repeatedly and frequently. If you use an in correct lifting technique while lifting heavier objects, you may cause damage and, of course, sudden severe pain.

In order to minimise the risks involved in lifting, you should always use the correct lifting technique

You should stand upright and bend backward five or six times immediately before and after lifting, especially when a Single heavy lift is involved. If there are many objects to be lifted, you should frequently interrupt the lifting and repeat the backward bending exercise. By standing upright and bending backward before lifting,you ensure that there is no distortion already present in the joints of the low back as you begin the lift. This is particularly important if you have been in a stooped position or have been sitting for a prolonged period immediately before you start lifting.

For example, many truck drivers after driving for prolonged periods are then called upon to remove heavy objects from the back of the truck. Removing heavy suitcases from the boot or trunk of the car immediately after a long ride is another example of this high-risk situation. By standing upright and bending backward a few times before and after lifting, you correct any distortion that may have developed in the joints as a result of lifting.If at present you are suffering a bout of low back pain, especially when this is caused by lifting, it is best to completely avoid lifting for a few weeks so that healing of damaged tissues may take place.Should this not be possible, then you must at all times use the correct lifting technique and avoid lifting objects that are awkward to handle and heavier than 30 pounds (15 kg).Once you have developed recurrent low back problems you should never again handle awkward or heavy objects by yourself,even though you may be completely pain free at the time of lifting.In addition, you should familiarise yourself with the correct lifting technique. After some practice at this, lifting correctly will become a habit.