Incorrect manual handling and lifting is a leading cause of workplace injuries. Can health and safety training help reduce injuries and lost workdays?
Correct Manual Lifting Technique
Manually lifting objects using incorrect techniques can lead to acute back injuries, herniated discs, sciatica, and long-term issues like increased risk of reinjury, body misalignment, and chronic back pain. Individuals can prevent spinal disc compression and/or lower back muscle strain by learning to use correct manual lifting techniques. (CDC. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). 2007)
Lifting Guide
Individuals can protect their backs and prevent injury by following simple steps when lifting objects.
Support Base
Ensure there is a healthy support base from which to lift.
Keep feet shoulder-width apart with one foot slightly in front of the other.
Ask For Help
If coworkers or colleagues are available, ask for assistance.
If the load is too heavy, ask for help lifting and moving the object/s.
Use Mechanical Assistant Devices
Use hand trucks, dollies, or pushcarts whenever possible for uneven and heavy loads.
Squat To Lift Object
Bend at the hips and knees only, not the back.
Put one knee on the ground to ensure stability before lifting.
Check Posture
Looking straight ahead, maintain posture upright with the chest out, shoulders back, and lower back slightly arched.
Lift Slowly
Lift with the knees and hips only, gradually straightening the lower back.
Load Positioning
Once upright, hold the load close to the body around the stomach.
Move and Maintain Alertness
Always take small steps.
Maintain alertness as to where you are going.
Keep the shoulders square with the hips when changing directions to avoid twisting and losing or shifting balance.
Rest
If you are fatigued, set the load/object down and rest for a few minutes until you can fully engage in the task.
Squat To Set Object Down
Squat with the knees and hips and set the load down slowly.
Avoid quickly rising and jerking movements, and allow the legs, hips, and back muscles to reset.
Planning and Tips
Lifting anything heavy takes planning to prevent muscle spasms, back strain, and other musculoskeletal injuries. Considerations to keep in mind:
Make a Plan Before Lifting
Knowing what object/s are being lifted and where they are going will prevent individuals from making awkward movements while holding and carrying something heavy.
Set and clear a path.
If lifting something with another person, ensure both agree and understand the plan.
Lift Close to The Body
Individuals are stronger and more stable lifters if the object is held close to their body rather than at the end of their reach.
Make sure there is a firm hold on the object.
It is easier to maintain balance close to the body.
Maintain Feet Shoulder-Width Apart
Keep the feet about shoulder-width apart.
Having a solid base of support is important while lifting.
Placing the feet too close together will cause instability while placing them too far apart will hinder movement.
Take short steps.
Visualize The Motions Involved and Practice The Motions Before Lifting
Think about the motion before lifting.
Practice the lifting motion before lifting the object.
Focus on keeping the spine straight.
Raise and lower to the ground by bending the knees.
Avoid bending at the waist or hips.
Tighten the Stomach Muscles
Tightening the abdominal muscles will hold the back in a healthy lifting position and help prevent excessive force on the spine.
Lift With the Legs
The legs are stronger than the back muscles, so let the leg strength do the work.
Lower yourself to the ground by bending the knees, not the back.
Keep Eyes Up
Looking slightly upwards will help maintain a better spine position and help keep the back straight.
Avoid Twisting or Bending
Face in the direction you are walking.
Stop, take small steps, and continue walking if turning is required.
Back Belts
It has become common for many who work in jobs requiring manual lifting to wear back belts or support. However, research does not show that they decrease the risk of a lifting injury. (CDC and The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 2023) Instead, it is recommended that the belt be thought of as a reminder of where the back muscles are positioned to keep the individual aligned, combined with the correct lifting techniques.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
Training the body and maintaining its optimal health for correct manual lifting techniques requires daily efforts through practice, conscious position corrections, and ergonomics. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent injury. Regarding musculoskeletal pain, specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal issues.
Chiropractic Care For Injury Recovery
References
CDC. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (2007). Ergonomic Guidelines for Manual Material Handling. (No. 2007-131). Retrieved from www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2007-131/pdfs/2007-131.pdf
CDC. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (2023). Back Belts – Do They Prevent Injury? (No. 94-127). Retrieved from www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/94-127/
For individuals who sit regularly for work and are slumping forward, can strengthening the rhomboid muscles help prevent posture problems and relieve pain?
Rhomboid Muscles
The rhomboids are a group of muscles in the upper back. A rhomboid major and minor muscle on each side of the upper back forms the shoulder girdle, which, along with other muscles, helps maintain the stability of the shoulder and shoulder blade. The rhomboid muscles control:
Pulling
Lifting
Rotating the shoulder blade.
These muscles also contribute to arm movement and enable lifting the arms above the head.
The rhomboid muscles support healthy posture and upper back. (Yoo W. G. 2017)
Sitting for an extended time, slumping forward, overstretching the arm above the body, sleeping on one side, repeated throwing motions, and sports like volleyball can affect the rhomboid muscles and cause pain symptoms.
Anatomy
There are two rhomboid muscles. The major originates on the thoracic spine from the second through the fifth vertebrae and inserts on the side of the shoulder blade facing the spine. The minor is superior to the major and inserts on the C7 and T1 vertebrae. The muscles connect between the spine and each of the shoulder blades. When they contract, they pull the shoulder blades together. The muscle fibers run diagonally. They affix the scapula against the torso, allowing a stable base from which the arms can move.
Symptoms
When rhomboid muscles are overused or strained, symptoms can include the following:
Tenderness around the shoulder blade.
Limited range of motion in the shoulder.
Pain around the shoulder blade.
Upper back pain.
Neck pain.
Arm fatigue when performing repetitive overhead movements.
A crunching sound when moving the shoulder.
Weakness in the arm.
Chest pain.
Muscle Building
The action of the rhomboid is to bring the shoulder blades together, lift them or elevate them, as when shrugging, and rotate them so they face downward, away from the head. Bringing the shoulder blades together or scapular retraction builds the rhomboids to support the upper back.
To improve or prevent posture problems or mild, muscle-related upper-back and/or neck pain, 10 to 15 repetitions of scapular retraction performed one to three times every day are targeted exercises that could be recommended to help strengthen the muscles. However, consult a primary care provider, physical therapist, or chiropractor for serious medical conditions that affect posture to develop a personalized exercise program specific to the individual’s condition or injury. Everybody is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all when incorporating exercise to manage back pain. The physical therapy team may recommend other exercises to help manage or reverse any postural issues. (Kim, D. et al., 2015)
Overstretched Muscles
The human body has a unique and challenging relationship with gravity, which creates a downward pull on its structures, including the spine, head, and shoulders. As gravity pulls, the shoulders roll forward, and the chest can sink in. (Harvard Health, 2022). The rhomboid muscles may become overstretched, or the pectoral muscles and soft tissues in front may tighten up and constrict. Strengthening the rhomboids can help release the pectoral muscles.
Forward Head Posture
Unhealthy posture can lead to chronic pain and back problems. (Kripa, S. et al., 2021) Over time, unhealthy posture can also cause a forward head posture. (U.S. National Library of Medicine Clinical Trials, 2020) Forward head posture can lead to soft tissue strain, a kink in the neck, and fatigue in the muscles holding the head up, which can cause chronic neck pain. Maintaining strong extensor muscles in the lumbar and thoracic spine can help prevent back and neck problems as the body ages.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
We passionately focus on treating patients’ injuries and chronic pain syndromes and develop personalized care plans that improve ability through flexibility, mobility, and agility programs tailored to the individual. Using an integrated approach, our areas of chiropractic practice include Wellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Headaches, Sports Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Complex Injuries, Stress Management, Functional Medicine Treatments, and in-scope care protocols to relieve pain naturally by restoring health and function to the body through Functional Medicine, Acupuncture, Electro-Acupuncture, and Sports Medicine protocols. If the individual needs other treatment, they will be referred to a clinic or physician best suited for them, as Dr. Jimenez has teamed up with the top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers, and premier rehabilitation providers to provide the most effective clinical treatments. We focus on what works for you and strive to better the body through researched methods and total wellness programs.
Functional Healing
References
Yoo W. G. (2017). Effects of pulling direction on upper trapezius and rhomboid muscle activity. Journal of physical therapy science, 29(6), 1043–1044. doi.org/10.1589/jpts.29.1043
Kim, D., Cho, M., Park, Y., & Yang, Y. (2015). Effect of an exercise program for posture correction on musculoskeletal pain. Journal of physical therapy science, 27(6), 1791–1794. doi.org/10.1589/jpts.27.1791
Kripa, S., Kaur, H. (2021). Identifying relations between posture and pain in lower back pain patients: a narrative review. Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy, 26. doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1186/s43161-021-00052-w
U.S. National Library of Medicine Clinical Trials. (2020). Strengthening and stretching exercise to improve forward head posture and rounded shoulders. Retrieved from clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04216862
Sitting at a desk or standing at a workstation in the same position for hours at a time every day or night can strain the body’s neuromusculoskeletal system. This causes hunching of the shoulders which leads to body tension, headaches, and neck, shoulder, back, leg, and foot pain. Taking regular breaks to move and stretch out provides various benefits that include pain symptom relief, increased circulation, improved posture, increased energy, muscle relaxation, and improve overall health. Here we look at stretches for sitting and standing jobs.
Stretches For Sitting and Standing Jobs
Sitting or standing for too long can affect an individual’s health. The body is made to move and not remain in one position for long periods. Standing and sitting for a prolonged period of time increases the risk for chronic conditions, sleep disorders, digestion issues, weight gain, obesity, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. To help break the cycle of staying in one position, experts recommend taking movement breaks for one to three minutes every 30 to 45 minutes, or at least once an hour.
Individuals are encouraged to find ways to set up a job/work system where they are not limited to just sitting or standing but have a balance where they can move around, do some desk work, move some more, and so on where the body is regularly engaging all the muscles and not only using a few that often leads to overworked muscles and overcompensating postures that lead to injuries. This can be using a standing desk, taking quick short walks, or doing some stretches. Movement loosens up the body and helps maintain mental focus.
Flexibility Breaks
The following stretches for sitting and standing jobs are recommended to be done as often as possible to develop healthy habits.
Set an alarm for every 45 to 55 minutes and perform the stretches.
Hold each stretch for at least 15-30 seconds.
Avoid exercises or stretches that cause discomfort or pain.
Chest Stretch
Many individuals begin to hunch forward. Therefore, it is essential to stretch the pectoral/chest muscles and shoulders. Individuals with shoulder problems or injuries should avoid this stretch.
Stand with the feet shoulder-width apart.
The stretch can be performed seated in a chair.
Move the arms behind the body and, if possible, interlock the fingers together.
Straighten the arms and gently lift the hands up until you feel a stretch in the chest.
Hold for 10 to 30 seconds.
Repeat 5-10 times.
Individuals can also use a resistance band and hold it overhead.
Individuals can put their forearms on either side of a doorway, and gently press forward until the stretch is felt in the chest.
Upper Back Stretch
The upper back stretch will help get circulation moving in all the muscles between the shoulder blades as well as the traps and the shoulders.
Begin in a seated or standing position.
Stretch the arms straight out.
Place one hand on top of the other.
Reach away with your arms.
Relax and gently bend the head down.
Imagine the arms curving up and over an imaginary sphere.
Hold the stretch for 10 to 30 seconds.
Neck Stretch
Tension in the neck can lead to headaches and upper back pain. Forward head posture is common when working at a desk/workstation, which places extra weight and stress on the neck muscles. The head can weigh up to 11 pounds. Staying aware of posture and regular stretching can provide relief.
Start in a sitting position, with the back straight and the shoulders back.
Reach down and grab the side of the chair with your hand.
Gently pull on the chair, while tilting the head in the opposite direction, feeling the stretch down the side of the neck and shoulder.
Hold for 10 to 30 seconds and repeat on the other side.
Repeat five to 10 times on each side.
Inner Thigh Stretch
Stretching the inner thigh is important for the hips and groin. This stretch helps open the hips and gets rid of tightness and tension in the lower body.
In a seated position, widen the legs, toes outward, and lean forward with the elbows on the thighs.
Keep the back straight and the abs contracted.
Gently press forward while using the elbows to push the thighs out until a stretch is felt in the inner thighs.
Hold for 10 to 30 seconds.
Repeat as many times as necessary to get a thorough stretch.
Regular stretching will help to improve the range of motion and help the muscles move more efficiently. Stretching may also help individuals reach or maintain a healthy weight for improved posture.
Benefits of Stretching
References
Cooley D, Pedersen S. A pilot study of increasing non-purposeful movement breaks at work as a means of reducing prolonged sitting. J Environ Public Health. 2013;2013:128376. doi:10.1155/2013/128376
Daneshmandi H, Choobineh A, Ghaem H, Karimi M. Adverse effects of prolonged sitting behavior on the general health of office workers. J Lifestyle Med. 2017;7(2):69-75. doi:10.15280/jlm.2017.7.2.69
Fathollahnejad, Kiana, et al. “The effect of manual therapy and stabilizing exercises on the forward head and rounded shoulder postures: a six-week intervention with a one-month follow-up study.” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders vol. 20,1 86. 18 Feb. 2019, doi:10.1186/s12891-019-2438-y
Feldman, Anatol G. “The Relationship Between Postural and Movement Stability.” Advances in experimental medicine and biology vol. 957 (2016): 105-120. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-47313-0_6
Korakakis, Vasileios, et al. “Physiotherapist perceptions of optimal sitting and standing posture.” Musculoskeletal Science & Practice vol. 39 (2019): 24-31. doi:10.1016/j.msksp.2018.11.004
Lurati AR. Health issues and injury risks associated with prolonged sitting and sedentary lifestyles. Workplace Health Saf. 2018;66(6):285-290. doi:10.1177/2165079917737558
Nakphet N, Chaikumarn M, Janwantanakul P. Effect of different types of rest-break interventions on neck and shoulder muscle activity, perceived discomfort and productivity in symptomatic VDU operators: A randomized controlled trial. Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2014;20(2):339-53. doi:10.1080/10803548.2014.11077048
Sanders, Martha J, and Claudia Michalak Turcotte. “Posture makes perfect.” Today’s FDA: official monthly journal of the Florida Dental Association vol. 25,2 (2013): 62-5.
Shaghayegh Fard, B et al. “Evaluation of forward head posture in sitting and standing positions.” The European spine journal: official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society vol. 25,11 (2016): 3577-3582. doi:10.1007/s00586-015-4254-x
Prolonged standing can cause the pelvis to push backward, increasing the curve of the lower back/lumbar region. This increased pressure on the soft tissues surrounding the spine causes the lower back muscles to tighten and/or spasm, resulting in discomfort in the joints and nerves. Weakened core muscles and unhealthy posture/postural syndrome are the most common causes, but injury, aging, congenital malformations, or a disease/condition can also contribute to the symptoms. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic has a top team of professional therapists to evaluate the problem, diagnose the cause/s accurately, and develop a customized treatment and rehabilitation plan.
Prolonged Standing Back Discomfort
Back Structure
The lower back is one of the most used areas of the spine, moving around and bending during a normal day. When the body stands, the spine naturally curves both in and outwards.
The inward curve, called lordosis, curves towards the front of the body at the lower back and neck regions.
The outward curve, called kyphosis, curves towards the back of the body at the chest.
When bending over while standing, the five lumbar vertebrae of the lower back change position and shift from lordosis to kyphosis when bent completely.
When standing up from bending, the lumbar vertebrae change position again and return to the lordosis position.
Causes
The facet joints allow movement between each spine level. The standing spinal curvature can increase contact between the facet joints. As the body ages, the facet joints and discs begin to wear out, which can cause the discs and facet joints to become inflamed. Prolonged standing during normal daily activity combined with inflammation in these joints can aggravate the inflammation and cause symptoms. Regular routines and habits may contribute to low back discomfort during prolonged standing. These include:
Sleeping on a sinking or unsupportive mattress.
Practicing unhealthy postures that cause imbalances with proper weight distribution.
Not wearing proper footwear and/or supportive orthotics forces the lower spine into increased curvature and can compress the facet joints.
Not getting enough physical activity that strengthens the core.
Chiropractors are experts on the musculoskeletal system. They will:
Listen to the patient about symptoms, medical history, and occupation.
A physical examination of muscle tone, strength, and range of motion.
Therapeutic massage, electric muscle stimulation, and ultrasound therapy can help reduce muscle inflammation and increase circulation to injured soft tissues.
Chiropractic adjustments will reset joints, removing pressure from the surrounding muscles and nerves.
Targeted therapeutic strength training is recommended for core and leg muscles to improve hip flexibility.
Non-surgical decompression or traction, either with a machine or suspension, can reverse the pressure in spinal discs.
Standing Lower Back Relief Exercises
References
Hasegawa, Tetsuya, et al. “Association of low back load with low back pain during static standing.” PloS one vol. 13,12 e0208877. 18 Dec. 2018, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0208877
Jo, Hoon, et al. “Negative Impacts of Prolonged Standing at Work on Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Physical Fatigue: The Fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey.” Yonsei medical journal vol. 62,6 (2021): 510-519. doi:10.3349/ymj.2021.62.6.510
Ognibene GT, Torres W, von Eyben R, Horst KC. Impact of a sit-stand workstation on chronic low back pain: randomized trial results. J Occup Environ Med. 2016;58(3):287-293. Abstract. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26735316. Accessed March 2, 2017.
Parry, Sharon P et al. “Workplace interventions for increasing standing or walking for decreasing musculoskeletal symptoms in sedentary workers.” The Cochrane database of systematic reviews vol. 2019,11 CD012487. November 17, 2019, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012487.pub2
Rodríguez-Romero, Beatriz, et al. “Thirty Minutes Identified as the Threshold for Development of Pain in Low Back and Feet Regions, and Predictors of Pain Intensity During 1-h Laboratory-Based Standing in Office Workers.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 19,4 2221. February 16, 2022, doi:10.3390/ijerph19042221
Smith, Michelle D et al. “The Influence of Using a Footstool during a Prolonged Standing Task on Low Back Pain in Office Workers.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 16,8 1405. April 18. 2019, doi:10.3390/ijerph16081405
Herniated disc injuries and the time it takes to heal depend on the injury’s cause, the severity, and where it occurred along the spine. Symptoms can last a few days to months. Chiropractic treatment, massage therapy, and decompression realign the spine and return the disc to its correct position. Still, the herniated disc signs it is returning to normal can take time as the rest of the spine and body adjust to the realignment.
Herniated Disc Signs It Is Returning To Normal
Most cases take a few weeks with healing time depending on health conditions, physical activity level, and age. However, in severe cases, a herniated disc can take up to several months to fully heal, but discomfort symptoms usually resolve sooner.
Expectations From a Healing Disc
Resting the spine and taking it easy after the injury is recommended.
Too much rest is not recommended as it can cause muscle stiffness.
While the herniated disc is healing, a primary doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants to help ease discomfort.
A chiropractor and/or physical therapist can teach exercises and stretches to relieve pressure on nerves, loosen tight muscles, and improve circulation.
Signs The Herniated Disc Is Healing
Most herniated discs cause significant pain in the back and neck from the nervous system, causing some of the muscles of the low back or neck to spasm to protect the area from further damage.
Usually, the muscle spasms relax within the first days of the injury.
After spinal decompression, neurological symptoms like the sharp, shooting pain down a nerve in the arm or leg are the first symptoms to go away.
Then muscle weakness along the path of the nerve goes away.
Numbness in the extremities can linger around longer.
Length of Time
The wear and tear of adult spinal discs, combined with unhealthy posture habits, job occupation, previous injuries, etc., decrease blood circulation.
This is why it can take some time to heal completely, as the entire blood supply needs to reset to optimal circulation.
Nerve compression causing aches and pain sensations down the nerves can also take time.
Regular Activity
Returning to regular activities depends on the individual’s case and condition. It is essential not to overdo things that can cause excessive loading of the spine before the disc has fully healed, which increases the risk of re-herniation and other injuries.
Inactivity can slow the healing process and cause inflammation.
Patients are encouraged to return to activities that generate gentle motion to stimulate the stabilizing muscles to function properly and increase blood circulation to the injured area.
Individuals are recommended to:
Learn posture improvement when walking, sitting, standing, and sleeping.
Adjust sleep patterns.
Incorporate anti-inflammatory nutrition during the healing process.
This provides a mechanical and biological environment that eventually becomes a personalized exercise physical therapy program.
DOC Spinal Decompression
References
Díez Ulloa, Máximo Alberto. “Role of Microangiogenensis in Disc Herniation Healing.” Journal of investigative surgery: the official journal of the Academy of Surgical Research vol. 34,6 (2021): 685. doi:10.1080/08941939.2019.1682725
Keramat, Keramat Ullah, and Aisling Gaughran. “Safe physiotherapy interventions in large cervical disc herniations.” BMJ case reports vol. 2012 bcr2012006864. 18 Aug. 2012, doi:10.1136/bcr-2012-006864
Stoll, T et al. “Physiotherapie bei lumbaler Diskushernie” [Physiotherapy in lumbar disc herniation ]. Therapeutische Umschau. Revue therapeutique vol. 58,8 (2001): 487-92. doi:10.1024/0040-5930.58.8.487
Swartz, Karin R, and Gregory R Trost. “Recurrent lumbar disc herniation.” Neurosurgical focus vol. 15,3 E10. 15 Sep. 2003, doi:10.3171/foc.2003.15.3.10
Forklifts, also known as lift trucks, are used for loading, unloading, and transporting various goods and materials in construction, shipping, and retail industries. They are heavy-duty equipment and require extensive training to operate safely. Forklifts are involved in many serious workplace accidents causing thousands of injuries annually. Chiropractors specialize in injury care and rehabilitation from vehicle accidents and collisions. They can help restore optimal musculoskeletal function and health through adjustments, massage, decompression, and traction therapies.
Forklift Operation
The forklift is one of the most widely used pieces of equipment to raise, lower, or remove pallets, boxes, crates, or other containers and transport and stock goods and materials. There are a variety of lift trucks that include:
The weight, speed, and operation difficulty increase the risk of an accident, increasing the risk of injuries. Other factors include:
They can reach up to 20 miles per hour or more.
They have front braking systems making it harder to stop.
The weight distribution is in the back.
The rear wheels turn instead of the front, causing tip-overs.
Most carry their loads in front and can obstruct an operator’s view.
Lifting too heavy a load can destabilize a forklift and cause it to turn over.
Accident and Injury Causes
Federal work safety regulations require individuals to complete a training program to operate a forklift safely. The most common causes of accidents include:
Lack of training and experience.
Lack of safety equipment – helmets, seatbelts, grab handles, roll cages, cage guards, warning lights, and sirens.
Lack of maintenance – bent forks, no load backrest, unbalanced wheels, etc.
Improper loading – off center, damaged goods, loose loads.
Lifting, moving or tilting the mast too fast.
Riding with a raised load.
Speeding.
Improper backing-up techniques.
Poor communication.
Horseplay.
Giving rides.
Failing to immobilize the machine when the operator leaves.
Failing to pay attention to the position of the forks.
Failing to yield to pedestrians.
Traveling up or down unsafe inclines.
Driving off the side of a ramp.
Design or manufacturing defects.
Common Accidents
The most common type of accidents involve:
Tip-overs and Rollovers.
Falling off the lift.
Getting struck by falling materials or objects.
Pedestrian injuries like getting hit by the vehicle or tripping over the forks.
Getting caught in or compressed/crushed by the vehicle or objects.
Injuries
The most common injuries that result from lift accidents include:
Chiropractic therapy can help heal and rehabilitate musculoskeletal injuries. A chiropractic team will relieve pain symptoms and restore the body’s alignment and function. Treatment includes:
Adjustments
To gently realign joints.
Decrease pain.
Increase range of motion.
Improves posture.
Soft-tissue massage
To relax tight muscles.
Relieve spasms.
Release tension in the connective tissue surrounding the muscles.
Reduces pain.
Improves the range of motion of the spine and joints.
Exercises and stretches
To restore and maintain flexibility, joint stability, and mobility.
Joint bracing and taping
To support sprained joints or muscles during healing.
Health Coaching
Guides diet and nutrition to reduce inflammation and promote healthy eating to manage weight.
Forklift Fails
References
Bage, T et al. “Forklift-related lower limb injuries: a retrospective case series study with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).” Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England vol. 103,10 (2021): 730-733. doi:10.1308/rcsann.2020.7124
Born, C T et al. “Patterns of injury and disability caused by forklift trucks.” The Journal of trauma vol. 40,4 (1996): 636-9. doi:10.1097/00005373-199604000-00020
Hong, Choon Chiet, et al. “Forklift-Related Crush Injuries of the Foot and Ankle.” Foot & ankle international vol. 36,7 (2015): 806-11. doi:10.1177/1071100715576486
Ull, Christopher et al. “Injuries after Forklift Trucks Accidents – Injury Patterns, Therapy and Outcome in the Context of the Statutory Accident Insurance.” “Gabelstaplerunfälle – Verletzungsmuster, Therapie und Outcome im berufsgenossenschaftlichen Kontext.” Zeitschrift fur Orthopadie und Unfallchirurgie, 10.1055/a-1402-1649. 19 Apr. 2021, doi:10.1055/a-1402-1649
Waters, Thomas et al. “Lower back disorders among forklift operators: an emerging occupational health problem?.” American journal of industrial medicine vol. 47,4 (2005): 333-40. doi:10.1002/ajim.20146
The body is designed to move. For individuals who spend a significant amount of time driving each day, whether for a living or a long commute, over time can lead to headaches, neck and back pain, sciatica, and increases the risk for serious injury. Chiropractic can retrain individuals to practice healthy driving posture. This is accomplished through decompression and massage therapy combined with recommended stretches/exercises, and an anti-inflammatory diet will bring pain relief and help prevent injury.
Healthy Driving Posture
Two main reasons driving impacts the back are poor posture and being in a fixed position for an extended period. Individuals who regularly drive for more than 4 hours a day are more at risk. An unhealthy driving posture can lead to an increased risk of discomfort/pain in the:
Over time these issues can become chronic, making the body vulnerable to various injuries.
Back Pain Symptoms
Sometimes back pain needs immediate medical attention if any of the following symptoms present:
Inflammation in the back.
Swelling on the back.
Constant pain does not go away or ease up after resting or movement.
Pain in the upper back that radiates to the chest.
A high temperature.
Unexplained weight loss.
Loss of bladder or bowel control.
Numbness or tingling around the buttocks or groin area.
Driving Recommendations
Spine Support
Slide the tailbone as close to the back of the seat as possible.
Leave a gap between the back of the knees and the front of the seat.
If the vehicle doesn’t allow for the proper position, a back support cushion can help.
Raise The Hips
If possible, adjust the area you sit on, so the thighs are supported along their entire length.
The knees should be slightly lower than the hips.
This will increase circulation to the back muscles while opening up the hips.
Sitting Too Close
An individual should be able to comfortably reach the pedals and depress them through their full range with the entire foot.
A safety study found that drivers whose chests were closer to the wheel were significantly more likely to suffer head, neck, and chest injuries in front and rear-end collisions.
Proper Height
Ensure the seat raises the eye level a few inches above the steering wheel to allow sufficient clearance between the head and roof.
Seat Angle
The angle of the back of the seat should go a little beyond 90 degrees to 100-110 degrees places minimal pressure on the back.
Leaning too far back forces the individual to raise/push their head and neck forward, which can cause neck pain, shoulder pain, and tingling in the fingers.
Headrest Height
The top of the headrest should be between the top of the ears and the top of the head.
It should slightly touch the back of the head when sitting with a healthy driving posture.
This exercise activates the abdominal and external oblique muscles.
Press the lower back into the car seat.
Inhale and tilt the pelvis forward to create an arch in the lower back.
Hold for 3 seconds, then release.
Repeat ten times.
Posture is more than just how one carries themselves. The effects of unhealthy posture can carry over into an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Whether it’s caused by injury, stress, work, or sports, a professional chiropractor will help you get back to optimal health.
Driving Position
References
Cvetkovic, Marko M et al. “Assessing Post-Driving Discomfort and Its Influence on Gait Patterns.” Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 21,24 8492. 20 Dec. 2021, doi:10.3390/s21248492
Pope, Malcolm H et al. “Spine ergonomics.” Annual review of biomedical engineering vol. 4 (2002): 49-68. doi:10.1146/annurev.bioeng.4.092101.122107
Tinitali, Sarah, et al. “Sitting Posture During Occupational Driving Causes Low Back Pain; Evidence-Based Position or Dogma? A Systematic Review.” Human factors vol. 63,1 (2021): 111-123. doi:10.1177/0018720819871730
van Veen, Sigrid, and Peter Vink. “Posture variation in a car within the restrictions of the driving task.” Work (Reading, Mass.) vol. 54,4 (2016): 887-94. doi:10.3233/WOR-162359
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