1. Spinal Health, Hygiene, and Safety Class
Dr. Tabor Smith
Pure Life Family Wellness
12850 Jones Rd. Ste. 101
Houston TX 77070

2. *
07/16/96
Spinal Safety
The amount of force you place on your back in lifting may surprise you!
Think of a lever.
With the fulcrum
in the center, it only
takes ten pounds of
pressure to lift a ten
pound object. *
3##

3. the fulcrum in a lever system, on a 10:1 ratio.*
07/16/96
The Forces Involved
If you shift the fulcrum to one side, it takes much more force to lift the same object.
Lifting a ten pound
object puts 100
pounds of pressure
on the fulcrum.
Your waist acts like
the fulcrum in a lever system, on a 10:1 ratio. *
4##

4. The Forces Involved When you add in the 105 pounds of the*
07/16/96
The Forces Involved
When you add in the
105 pounds of the
average human upper
torso, you see that
lifting a ten pound
object actually puts
1,150 pounds of
pressure on the
lower back. *
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5. The Forces Involved If you were 25 pounds overweight, it would add*
07/16/96
The Forces Involved
If you were 25 pounds
overweight, it would add
an additional 250 pounds
of pressure on your back
every time you bend over. *
6##

6. Anytime you find yourself doing one of these things, you should think: *
07/16/96
Anytime you find yourself doing one of these things, you should think:
DANGER! My back is at risk!
Try to avoid heavy lifting
. . Especially repetitive
lifting over a long period
of time *
7##

7. Common Causes of Back Injuries*
07/16/96
Common Causes of Back Injuries
Twisting at the
waist while
lifting or
holding a heavy
load this
frequently happens
when using a shovel. *
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8. Common Causes of Back Injuries*
07/16/96
Common Causes of Back Injuries
Reaching and lifting . . .
over your head, across
a table, or out the back
of a truck *
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9. Common Causes of Back Injuries*
07/16/96
Common Causes of Back Injuries
Lifting or carrying
objects with awkward
or odd shapes *
10##

10. Common Causes of Back Injuries*
07/16/96
Common Causes of Back Injuries
Working in awkward,
uncomfortable positions . . . *
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11. Common Causes of Back Injuries*
07/16/96
Common Causes of Back Injuries
Sitting or standing
too long in one
position sitting
can be very hard
on the lower back *
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12. Common Causes of Back Injuries*
07/16/96
Common Causes of Back Injuries
It is also possible
to injure your
back slipping on
a wet floor or ice . . . *
13##

13. Prevent Back Injuries Avoid lifting and bending whenever you can.*
07/16/96
Prevent Back Injuries
Avoid lifting and bending whenever you can.
Place objects up off the floor.
Raise/lower shelves.
Use carts and dollies.
Use cranes, hoists, lift tables, and other lift-assist devices whenever you can.
Test the weight of an object before lifting by picking up a corner.
Get help if it’s too heavy for you to lift it alone. *
14##

14. Spinal Health and Hygiene (There is much more to spinal health than just proper lifting)
A healthy spine is not easily injured.
How do you know if your spine is healthy or not?
You are about to learn something most people will never know about the spine!

15. Normal
Neck

16. Phase II
Subluxation
Degeneration

17. Cervical Curve – The Arc of Life. .

18. Which Spinal Cord Would You Want?
This is a view looking down the spinal column from the skull. . .
This spinal cord is inside a normal 45 degree cervical curve.
This cord shows how pathological
tension in a Phase I cervical spine
can cause the cord to be compromised.

19. Phase III
Subluxation
Degeneration

20. You Can’t Feel Degeneration!
What you feel are the effects of it after it gets bad.

21. Phase IV
Subluxation
Degeneration

23. Good
Bad

24. Proper Reporting and Treatment
It is very important for you to report every accident or injury you have on the job.
It is very important to treat and correct spinal problems once they are present.
How do we treat and correct spinal problems?
Contact your health care professional

27. Spinal Hygiene vs. Dental Hygiene
Early 1900’s – Dr. Alfred Fones, a dentist, was shocked at the number of people loosing their teeth due to cavities.
He became convinced that the regular removal of plaque and other substances on the teeth could reduce or prevent tooth loss.
Dr. Fones is now considered "The Founder of Dental Hygiene

28. Dental Hygiene vs. Spinal Hygiene
50% visit Dentist reg.
94% brush teeth reg.
20% lost teeth - age 75
almost 100% of them have dentures
Chiropractic
2-7% visit Chiro. reg.
>1% spinal exercises reg.
80% spinal deg. – age 75
You cannot get an artificial spine!
Q: Why do we have healthy teeth, but degenerating spines?
A: Because just like everything in life – What you take care of lasts longer (Car, House, Clothes, Yard, etc…).

29. Spinal Hygiene How do you keep your teeth healthy?
Brush your teeth, floss regularly, checkups with a dentist regularly, etc…
How do you keep your spine healthy?
Daily spinal hygiene exercises, checkups with a chiropractor regularly.
Prevention is the Key!
A healthy spine is less likely to be injured
Everyone should practice good spinal hygiene!
(Contact your health care pro before starting any exercise program or therapy)

30. Find more exercises at www.HomeSpinalCare.com
Spinal Range of Motion Stretches
Find more exercises at

31. Special Gift For You! FREE Checkup! Thank you for coming!
Dr. Tabor Smith
Pure Life Family Wellness