Proper Lifting Techniques To Prevent Back Injury When Moving

By M&M Super Moving
Published on April 25th, 2014

Back Pain Lifting Boxes

Lifting furniture, boxes and other heavy items the wrong way can leave you in a world of pain and discomfort. Unfortunately, far too many people take the wrong approach when lifting objects, placing themselves at risk for injury. Whether you’re moving a single box or an entire home, you should get into the habit of using the right technique to help prevent back injury.

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIM), approximately 80% of Americans will develop back pain at some point in their life. A 2010 report by the Global Burden of Disease states back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Some of these cases are minor and manifest nothing more than a temporary dull ache that subsides within a couple of hours; however, others are more severe, creating excruciating pain that restricts your body’s normal range of motion and mobility.

So, what causes back pain? There are a number of activities, stresses and elements which are known to play a role in the formation of back pain. Bending your back at an arch to lift an object, for instance, stresses the soft cartilage that supports the vertebrae. Over time, this cartilage will wear down to the point where it’s no longer able to absorb the stress, resulting in painful vertebrae-against-vertebrae contact. Back pain can also be caused by pulled muscles and/or tendons.

Safe Lifting Practices:

Spread your legs shoulder-width apart with your feet planted firmly on the floor.
With your spine straight, bend your knees to lower your body.
Grab the bottom of the box (or furniture) with one hand on each side.
Maintain a straight spine and slowly extend your knees back into the standing position.
Walk slowly and carefully to your destination, using your hips to change direction.
Upon reaching your destination, lower your body back down by bending your knees and releasing the box.
Rinse and repeat these steps as needed to make moving just a little bit easier!

The key thing to remember when moving is to lift with your legs, not your back. It’s only natural for humans to bend their back when lifting objects, as this is easier. But doing so will eventually take a toll on your body, wearing down the supporting cartilage between the vertebrae and placing you at risk for chronic back pain.

We would love to take the burden of moving off of your back (pun intended). Get a free online moving quote today.