Manual Handling.......Possible Cause of Backache?

Growing up as a female child ,I was taught to sweep the house bending really low to the ground as I would always recall my mum's constant reminder on the need to sweep the house with the body of the broom and not the tip.

A norm common in various homes not just mine.....

Backache is a major health issue every where in the world. One third of all work related injuries back ache inclusive is caused by manual handling...

Performing house chores and lifting heavy materials at work are one of the many ways through which we can experience these aches. Other ways include improper seating positions at work and sleeping on a rather too soft bed...This is particular important for the aged because as they advance in age ,they require a mattress that would provide all the support for their joints,back and overall body. A good example of such is the Orthopedic Mattress.

In performing house chores,vacuum cleaners,long brooms or brushes can be used to avoid bending and twisting the spine.

Ergonomics is a delicate Health and Safety requirement that must be carried out at all offices. It looks at what kind of work you do,what tools you work with and your whole job environment with the aim of finding the best fit between you and your job condition. Examples of ergonomic changes to your work  might include:

- Adjusting the position of your computer keyboard to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.

- Being sure that the height of your desk chair allows your feet to rest flat on the floor.

- Learning the right way to lift heavy objects to prevent back injuries

- Using handle coatings or special coats to suppress vibrations for power tools.

What could be the cause of this persistent pain? Improper manual handling contributes to more than 60% of back aches. 

The illustration above describes the correct way to carry a heavy load at any time or place. First you must access the lifting procedure......

In Health and Safety , we aim to reduce the risk of injury to as low as reasonably practicable and so other methods such as using a conveyor or a trolley would be the best bet. In situations where this is not readily available and manual handling cannot be eliminated completely, it is important that the right manual handling techniques are employed....

Firstly, position your feet apart while adopting a good position, squat to pick up the load as this reduces the pressure on your lower spine, next you get a firm grip of the box and lift while keeping the box close to your body.

It is wrong to lift a box bending as this lifting technique  would put pressure on your lower spine if carried out repeatedly....

Abdominal hernia could also be derived from repeated improper manual handling techniques. 

Tips for a Healthy back:

- Access each lifting operations and reduce the risk of injury to as low as reasonably practicable.

- Avoid or minimize bending and twisting.

- Ensure your work seat allows your feet rest on the floor.

- Walk upright.

- Adapt good seating positions.

- Companies should ensure that their staff are trained on safer manual handling technique.

Back Exercises helps in flexing the lumbrae vertebrae. If you notice a back ache , try some of these exercises at home..

These would help in relieving the pain...... I do not encourage self medications so if the pain persists ,ill advise you see your doctor.

I hope this helps....*winks*

Living Healthy!!!!