Welcome to the PRISM program

Day 3 – Proper Lifting Course Outline  Relevance of Injury Prevention  Anatomy of the Back  Common Back Problems  Injury Prevention  Body Mechanics Audit

Icebreaker

Relevance of Injury Prevention Four Key Points To Preventing Injuries at Work…

#1. Use Mechanical Lifts Whenever Possible

#2. Work In a Well Lit Environment

#3. Always Seek Help From Coworkers

#4. Good Supervision Is Essential

Debunking Myths

Debunking the Myths

Compensable Time Loss Claims by Nature of Injury

Basic Anatomy: “So, Why Is This Important?”

Anatomy of The Lumbar Spine The important parts of include:  Bones & Joints  Nerves  Connective Tissues  Muscles

The Lumbar Spine: Bones & Joints -The spine has 24 bones called “vertebrae” - Vertebrae stacked upon each other to provided support - Bottom 5 vertebrae are the lumbar spine (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5)

The Lumbar Spine: Bones & Joints -Vertebra formed by a round block of bone, called a vertebral body. -The lumbar vertebral bodies are thicker. -Low back has to withstand +++ force (shock absorber)

The Lumbar Spine: Bones & Joints -There are two facet joints between each pair of vertebrae. -The alignment of the facet joints allows movement.

The Lumbar Spine: Nerves -Hollow tube formed by the bony rings on the back of the spinal column protects the spinal cord.

The Lumbar Spine: Nerves -The spinal cord extends down to the L2 vertebra. -Made up of millions of nerve fibres.

The Lumbar Spine: Nerves -Between vertebrae, two large nerves (“Spinal Nerves”) branch off the spinal cord. -Lumbar spinal nerves that go to the organs and legs. -

The Lumbar Spine: Connective Tissue -Networks of fiber that hold the cells of the body together. -Lumbar spine supported by ligaments in all directions.

The Lumbar Spine: Connective Tissue -Disc is made of connective tissue. -Inner: nucleus (jelly), Outer: annulus (donut) -Provides the most shock absorption.

The Lumbar Spine: Muscles -Superficial, intermediate and deep layers. -Deep back muscles coordinate with abdominals to stabilize the spine.

Common Low Back Problems

1.Degenerative Changes 2.Facet Joint Irritation 3.Muscular Back Pain 4.Disc Problems

#1. Degenerative Changes -Wear and tear, age related. -Disc loses water, reduced ability to absorb shock.

#2. Facet Joint Irritation -Also wear and tear… arthritis. -Joints become compressed and irritated.

#3. Muscular Back Pain -Starts from degenerative changes. -Worse after activity. Pain felt in the back, buttocks, hips, and thighs. -No weakness or numbness in the leg or foot.

#4. Disc Herniation -Annular tears leads to weakness in disc. -Material in the nucleus can squeeze out (herniate). -Pressure against spinal nerve root.

#4. Disc Herniation -Pain in the low back may spread into one or both hips and buttocks. -Sensations of pins, needles, and numbness down the Legs (sciatica).

Anatomy 101: Pop Quiz 1.How many bones are in the lumbar spine? 2. What are the 3 main functions of the spine? 3. What are the two parts of the disc called?

Injury Prevention: Balance is the Key

Balance is the Key! The most “balanced” or stable posture is when we maintain the three curves.  Minimizes disc pressure  Minimizes strain on muscles and ligaments  MINIMIZES RISK OF INJURY!!!!

POSTURE  Neutral Curves  Whether sitting, standing, walking, or lifting.  Keep your ears, shoulders and hips in a vertical line.

Standing  Straight line from your: ears, shoulders, hips, knees and the bottoms of your feet.  Wide base of support.  Change positions to minimize fatigue.

Sitting  Three neutral curves.  Feet flat on the floor.  Head and chest up.  Shoulders relaxed.  Tuck in that chin!

Proper Body Mechanics  Apply many of the same principles as sitting and standing  Stand close to the load and face the way you intend to move  “Nose and toes”  Use a wide stance  Get a good grip and test the load

Lifting…continued  Avoid twisting and side bending  Maintain neutral curves  Tighten your abdominals  Keep the weight close  Lift with your legs  Keep your head and chest up

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s and Don’ts Do’s and Don’ts

The BODY MECHANICS AUDIT

Group Activity:  3 Groups  Each group given scenario/activity  Floor to waist  Team carry  Pushing and pulling with a dolly  In your group, write down the Do’s and Don’ts  Each group will then demonstrate and present lift.

Practice Lifting  Provide/receive feedback from your group & facilitator for:  Desk to Chair Lift  Floor to Chair Lift  Above Shoulder Lift  Carrying

Wrap-up  Summary  Questions?  Next Session…Reframing Thoughts