Back strain can be extremely painful, leaving people incapacitated for days at a time and exacerbating medical issues. Fortunately, many back injuries can be prevented by using proper techniques and paying attention to body alignment when lifting boxes, children, or other heavy loads. Here, Randy R. Collins, D.C., a chiropractor in Honolulu, HI, offers some recommendations for safely picking up items.

How to Lift Items Without Hurting Your Back

1. Avoid Picking Up Overweight Objects

If an item is too heavy to lift safely, break up the task and make several trips with lighter loads. This may seem like more work, but recuperating from serious back strain can impact your life for weeks. For objects that can’t be divided into smaller tasks, wait until someone can help you move it.

2. Start From a Safe Position

Depending on your physical condition, you may feel more comfortable kneeling in front of the item or putting one knee on the floor. If you plan to start from a standing position, place your feet as close to the object as possible and bend from the knees.

3. Use Your Legs

When lifting an item from the floor, never lock your knees and bend over from the waist. Instead, bend your knees while maintaining the natural curvature of your lower back until you can reach the object. Then use your legs to lift, and avoid twisting while you stand or walk. Chiropractors recommend standing up straight and avoiding leaning backward, which puts additional strain on the muscles of your lower back.

When you’re struggling with back pain, seek help from Randy R. Collins, D.C. Since 1979, this chiropractor and his team have provided patients throughout Honolulu with safe, effective treatments for a wide range of ailments as well as physical therapy and worker’s compensation cases. Visit their website for more on their services and certifications, or call (808) 839-7474 to make an appointment with a leading chiropractor today.