Posted by: thepinetree on 03/31/2015 10:53 AM
Updated by: thepinetree on 03/31/2015 10:53 AM
Expires: 01/01/2020 12:00 AM
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80% of Americans Suffer from Back Pain That May Be Avoidable
Angels Camp, CA...The Bureau of Labor Statistics released a new report in December, 2014, that looked at the most common workplace injuries resulting in missed days from work. They found musculoskeletal disorders (sprains, strains, and tears) made up the largest percentage, accounting for 38 percent of overall injuries. Injuries to the back from “overexertion in lifting or lowering” accounted for the greatest portion of the musculoskeletal percentage...
Most healthcare professionals would agree that back pain is a complicated issue. There are many causes that often make it difficult to treat, including arthritis, muscle or ligamentous strain, and nerve compression. Dr. Ashley Nelson PT, DPT, MTC of Pinnacle Physical Therapy suggests a significant cause is poor body mechanics. “The way you habitually sit, stand and move directly affects spinal health, especially while lifting, pushing or lowering objects.”
If you normally sit for any significant length of time during the day, paying attention to posture will help avoid back pain. Remember to sit in an upright posture, keeping the hips, shoulders, and ears in line, this will help maintain the natural spinal curvature. (http://pinnaclept.net/brochures). If more lumbar support is needed, put a lumbar roll or even a rolled up towel behind the small of your back to help. And keep in mind that you should move throughout the day, at least once an hour, to help reduce tension in the back from a static posture.
As indicated by the BLS report, incorrect lifting posture often results in lower back injury, so always make sure that you are lifting with the legs and keeping the back straight. Never jerk heavy objects up, but move slowly and carefully. If the object is heavy get help, either from another person or some machinery. Don’t forget that this applies to small objects as well as large ones! Bending down many times to pick up lightweight items or toys can put just as much strain on your back as one lift of a heavy box.
The trained physical therapists at Pinnacle Physical Therapy know human anatomy and body mechanics; they offer fun and informative ways of illustrating the common sources of injuries and ways to prevent them. Dr. Theresa Locke PT, DPT of Pinnacle Physical Therapy presented a body mechanics workshop to the Calaveras Public Authority and attendee, Clarice, wrote, “What a delight our clinic was on Tuesday for body mechanics. I have instantly put into action the conscious thought and awareness of how to use my back in proper form. Wonderful! I feel stronger in all actions focusing on using the muscles groups Theresa from Pinnacle taught us. Thank you for such an enjoyable learning session, it was fabulous! I’m always improving and learning with your clinics.”
A body mechanics training concentrating on the spine is held twice a month at Pinnacle Physical Therapy, 571 Stanislaus Street, Suite F, Angels Camp. Body mechanics workshops related to specific industry and problem areas are offered to organizations and businesses at their locations. For more information and details on how to attend or schedule a Body Mechanics Workshop, please telephone Pinnacle Physical Therapy, 209-736-0956 or email dmonroy@PinnaclePT.net.
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Economic News Release: Nonfatal Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Requiring Days Away From Work, 2013, #USDL-14-2246, December 16, 2014.
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