Carrying Heavy Objects Safely


If your job requires you to regularly carry heavy objects, you’ve hopefully been trained in doing so safely and follow those instructions. But if you only carry heavy things sporadically, you can easily make a mistake that will result in a back injury. People who have already suffered slipped discs are especially vulnerable, and we at ChiroCareLA.com in Glendale frequently see people with preventable injuries. Therefore, we wanted to provide some guidance on heavy lifting.


Before you pick the heavy thing up, prop open all the doors between it and your destination. If possible, get a dolly, and wear shoes that have good traction. Make sure you’re not wearing anything that could snag, and that there are no upturned carpets or other walking hazards on your path. You may also want to do a short warm-up.


When you pick up the object, get a feel for its center of weight before lifting it, and then use your legs to propel yourself upward from a squat. Keep the object at chest-level and centered, and your head up and looking forward. When you have to turn, rotate your entire body, not just your torso. When you reach the destination, lower yourself slowly by squatting. If you do incur an injury, we can examine you and provide chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapy, as needed.


Dr. Jack Alajajian and his staff operate ChiroCareLA.com at 815 E Colorado Suite 250, Glendale CA, 91205. Call 818-246-3600.




 

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