How to Prevent Injury and Maintain Back Health Body Mechanics How to Prevent Injury and Maintain Back Health
The Back 33 Vertebrae Spinal Cord Spinal Nerves Muscles- Back muscles should never be used to lift. THEY ARE WEAK MUSCLES
Common Problems Strain/Fatigue Vertebral Fracture Herniated Disk Disease
Causes of Pathology Poor Posture Lack of Exercise Excess Weight
Safe Lifting Feet width of shoulders Broad base of support (8-12inches apart) Stand close to object Squat down Use the strongest muscles of your legs Hold object close to body
Special Rules When lifting overhead: use ladder, not chair or box Pivot with whole body, not just waist area Keep your back straight Use weight of your body to push or pull an object Keep in mind that your upper body is part of the “load” when bending over