Personal Best Health Wellness - Preventing Back Injury

Four out of five adults experience low-back pain at some point. One major cause is lifting incorrectly. If you lift objects, light or heavy, the right form can prevent pain and injury. Lift it right:

• Think before you lift. Don’t lift more than you can handle.
• Bend at your knees, not at your waist. Lift with the strong muscles of your hips and legs. Keep your back straight and your stomach muscles tight.
• Straighten up slowly, holding the load close to your body, with the weight balanced.
• Don’t twist or turn while lifting, holding or moving with the load. Move and unload slowly and carefully.

More lifting tips: Always turn to face the object you are about to lift … push, don’t pull, because pushing is easier on your back … ask for help lifting heavy objects … use tools and lifting machines when possible.