Moving residences is no easy feat. Along with practical concerns, you also run the risk of injury when moving heavy boxes and furniture. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent back and neck pain from occurring. Here’s what you need to know.

Pack With Care

Although it’s tempting to get as many of your belongings into as few boxes as possible, overstuffing boxes will make it much harder to avoid injury. Instead, pack boxes lightly so they’re easier to handle. You’ll need to make more trips, but you’ll experience less strain when you lift and unload.

Grasp Objects Firmly

Before lifting a heavy object, grip it firmly. A firm grip ensures proper posture when lifting and reduces muscle strains and sprains. Consider picking up a pair of work gloves for the move. With gloves, objects will be less likely to slip from your grasp, and your hands will be protected from injury as well.

Watch Your Posture

Generating power from your legs while lifting prevents back issues. Keep your back and shoulders straight, and use your thigh muscles to raise the weight. If you keep your head up and your eyes focused on what’s in front of you, you’ll safeguard your neck from pain and your back from twisting.

Bend Your Knees

When you bend your back to lift furniture, you put pressure on those muscles. Instead, bend your knees and use your legs to do the heavy lifting. If you already suffer from back or neck pain or weakness, lifting without bending your knees will be exacerbated by improper technique.

The team at Midwest Spine Center in Fort Dodge, IA, knows how bothersome chronic back and neck pain can be. That’s why they offer a wide range of pain relief treatments, including chiropractic adjustments. They also combine high-tech approaches, such as cold laser therapy to boost the body’s natural healing ability, with tried-and-true therapies, such as acupuncture. If you’re experiencing back or neck pain after a move, learn more about spinal adjustments and manipulation online. You can also schedule an appointment by calling (515) 576-1176 today.