Low back pain is the most common work-related medical problem in the United States and the second most common reason for doctor visits among U.S. citizens, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. It affects more than 20 million Americans and is the leading cause of disability among people ages 19 - 45. It hits the bottom line fairly hard, too: low back is the No. 1 leading cause of missed work days, costing Americans $60 billion per year in treatments and American businesses about $15 billion annually. It's estimated that at least 80 percent of all Americans will experience some form of low back pain at some point in their lives.
Last year, about 500,000 back and neck surgeries were performed in the United States. Since there are many non-surgical treatments for low back pain some experts believe that many of these operations were unnecessary.
For a comparison there are about 600,000 Cardiac Artery Bypass procedures performed in the United States each year. Other "open heart" surgeries include 80,000 valve surgeries, and 2,300 heart transplants annually for a total of 682,300.
For a comparison there are about 600,000 Cardiac Artery Bypass procedures performed in the United States each year. Other "open heart" surgeries include 80,000 valve surgeries, and 2,300 heart transplants annually for a total of 682,300.
Interestingly, while many Americans know the role cholesterol, diet and exercise plays in preventing heart attack, few Americans know how to prevent spine problems, or a "back attack." While everyone understands that chest pain is a signal from the body that something is wrong, random bouts of back pain are largely ignored until the problem becomes more serious, and a disc is herniated.
RULES FOR LIFTING
1. Plan the Lift
Before attempting to lift or move something heavy, it is important to step back and analyze what needs to be accomplished. Think about how heavy the object is, how far it has to be moved, where it is going to end up? What is the shape of the object? Is it cumbersome, will it be easily manipulated? Is it a two-person job? Is there anything in the way that needs to be moved prior to lifting? Stand directly in front of the load, with feet about shoulder width apart. One foot should be in front of the other for balance.(See Figure 1)
2. Correct Positioning
Get Help if Needed. If the load is too heavy, DON'T TRY TO LIFT IT ALONE. Find someone who can help carry it, or if possible, break the load into two smaller, more manageable loads. Bend the knees and tighten the stomach muscles. Using both hands, grasp the object firmly and pull it as close as possible to your body.(See Figure 2 and 3)
Since leg muscles are stronger than back muscles, lift with the legs, until they are straightened. Avoid jerky movements. Keep the natural curve in the spine; don't bend at the waist. To turn, move the feet around by pivoting on the toes, not by twisting at the stomach. (See Figure 4)
When it is time to set the load down, it is very important that it is done correctly. Reverse the procedures for lifting to minimize the strain on the back. If the load is going to set on the floor, bend the knees and position the load in front of you. If the load is to go at table height, set it down and keep in contact with the load until it is secure on the table.
There is one final important rule: "THINK BEFORE YOU LIFT". It is better for workers to use their own common sense than to teach them specific lifting, pushing, pulling, walking, climbing or jumping procedures. This is not to imply that unsafe behaviors should not be pointed out to others and corrected. For example, "common sense" may tell certain people to jump down from heights of several feet. Certainly, when people exhibit this type of behavior or when they attempt to carry two hundred pounds, the errors of their behavior should be brought to their attention. Remember, in lifting, you are the major cause of your injuries; therefore, you have the major responsibility for preventing them.
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