Chiropractors report high number of back-related injuries during summer moving period

Each year, chiropractors notice a recrudescence of patients that come for a consultation during the summer moving period. Not surprising when we know that many people, eager and tired, hasten to get everything done rapidly without worrying about their muscles and their back. That explains why herniated discs, lumbar pain and muscle soreness are so common during this time of year. How can we avoid this?

Protecting your back
Most injuries seen by chiropractors during the moving period are back-related. Lumbar pain, herniated discs and muscle soreness are very common. Stretching before getting to work is very important to avoid injuries. Also, make sure you never force with your back. Instead, the weight should be carried by your legs and arms. Drink appropriate amount of water and wear shoes that provide good support for both your feet and your ankles.

Packing carefully
Balance your loads and plan more boxes than less. It is in fact easier to carry 10 boxes weighing 10 pounds than carrying 5 boxes that weight 20 pounds. Over-packing boxes is the best way to attract injuries. Let's not forget that moving day is everything but a disguised opportunity to improve your physical form.

Lifting up with the right technique
Move close to the load and bend your knees while keeping your back straight at all times. Place your feet shoulder-wide. Don't forget that your legs, your arms and your abdominal muscles have to carry the weight, not your back. Your head must point in the direction of the object to be lifted.

Test the load weight beforehand and make sure you never go over your physical capacities. Once standing up, keep the object close to your body. To put it down, do the opposite steps, making sure you bend your knees and stay in control all the way down.

Boxes or heavier objects, like the oven or the fridge, should be lifted up using a two-wheel hand truck, a dolly, a cart, straps or furniture moving belts.

Moving strategically
When you are in motion, pivot using your feet, not your back, and do not twist your upper body.

Coordination and breathing are also essential, especially when you need to go up or down the stairs carrying a heavy weight. This type of operation always requires two people. When you go down, the strongest person should be at the bottom to be able to support the weight. The person at the top will have to keep the object in balance and must never push down: the person at the bottom dictates the rhythm.

The next time you move, don't hesitate to ask for the help of your friends. This way, you'll combine business and pleasure and will be able to coordinate every move more efficiently, reducing at the same time the risk of injuries.