Use Proper Lifting to Avoid Back Pain During your Move

Proper Lifting Techniques to Avoid Back Pain

You found your apartment, rented the truck, packed everything and you are excited for your move.  In order to enjoy your apartment right away you must make sure to avoid injuring yourself during the final phase of your move.  

If you are doing a lot of the move on your own, learn the importance of proper lifting techniques before you do so. Even though you may have an idea of proper lifting procedures, it may do all of us some help to review how to properly and safely lift and move your heavy boxes and furniture. 

 Lifting doesn't necessarily have to be unsafe, but you must avoid using your low back to do the work. You have to learn to use your legs.  Even for everyday activities around the house, such as picking something up like laundry, pets, or even a piece of paper, you have to use your leg.  These small items can also cause pain if you are using poor lifting form.
In a proper lift, it is recommended to use the stronger leg and buttock muscles. You also need to maintain a strong, solid foundation at your spinal core.

You also need to make sure you are not reaching very far from your body.  An experienced mover is able to get up close to the object they are lifting and thus avoid straining. Ideally, one should keep the center of weight no more than eight inches from your body; this is key to decreasing pressure on the spine. Another thing to take into consideration is to sue a stool or ladder when lifting heavy objects above your head.  

Perhaps the most overlooked but the most important tip is to avoid twisting when moving heavy objects.  Take the time to move your feet and keep your back straight in the process.  And of course, don't forget to take frequent rest breaks in between the move.  You can work on another aspect of the move such as paperwork or payments.  Following these tips should help you from having to see your local chiropractor or spend time at a chiropractic chiropractic clinic.

For more information on proper lift training see here.