Better Than A Back Belt

Dr. Skrien’s - Health Tip of the Week

Better Than A Back Belt

           

For years, many industrial workers have worn back belts or lumbar supports to help avoid common back injuries. How good are they? Prescribed after an injury, the belts do seem to provide some temporary benefit by reducing the strain on already-injured muscles.

            But the belts do not prevent injury. Indeed, because they provide a false sense of security, belt-wearers may be prone to more injuries than others. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), reports that training in how to lift safely is the better approach.

            Heavy lifting calls for using the muscles of the legs, not the back, to do the work. For an over sized load, it’s wise to work with another person, walking and lowering the load together. For low loads, pull the weight toward you, and then support it on one knee before lifting.

           Exercise is also a key component in protecting your back. Doing the right type of exercise in the correct way will help strengthen your back and help prevent injuries. So get out from behind your desk, off the couch, out of bed and start to exercise. If not sure what exercises are good get to a certified sports chiropractic practitioner(CCSP) who is trained in proper activities to strengthen your spine.

          Come see me for I am a CCSP chiropractor.