Stretch slowly, and stop if you experience sharp pain.
Put one knee on the ground, and use your arms
and legs to move the object up onto the opposite thigh. Stand
up. Never bend at the waist while lifting.
When lifting, maneuver the object close to your body,
and use the strength in your legs to get the object off the ground,
rather than your low back.
Have you ever heard of anyone straining a thigh muscle
while lifting? Probably not. That is because the muscles in the legs
are longer, stronger and more resistant to strain. The muscles and
ligaments in the back are shorter and prone to muscle spasm.
Start with one knee on the floor, use the strength of
your arms to raise the object up onto your mid-thigh, then use the
power of your legs to stand up. An alternate method is to bend both
knees in a squatting position, grasp the object keeping fingers underneath
it, keep your back erect and stand up. In both examples, use your leg
muscles, not your back, to generate the lifting force.
Click here for narrated videos of spine surgeries, procedures and what causes various symptoms. Click here to see medical illustrations that help you understand back and neck problems. Click here to see an exercise library that has special stretches that can relieve pain symptoms.
John J. Regan, MD is the author of the First Chapter of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: Clinical Examples of Anatomy, Indications, and Surgical Techniques.
Our spine Internet site acts as on-line spine encyclopedia. In addition, as a free community service, Spine Group Beverly Hills mails out Home Remedy Books on a limited basis to residents in Southern California. Click here to learn more.
We understand that traveling with a back problem can be difficult and unsettling. That’s why we enable you to set up a telephone consultation with Spine Group Beverly HIlls in advance, to determine if a trip would be worthwhile. Because this involves significant time for our practice to receive your information and diagnostics, and for Dr. Regan to review your case in advance of your call, there is a fee for this consultation. Click here to learn more.
The vast majority of back problems improve on their own or with nonsurgical treatment. There are a few warning signs, however, that may indicate serious spinal problems. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Click here to learn more.
Want to tackle back or neck pain? Dr. Regan has developed an educational journal to help patients get Back to Life. Click here to download our latest Back to Life Journal.
Welcome to Spine Group Beverly Hills Watch the video above to hear a message from Dr.
John Regan about finding freedom from back pain.
Recognize emergency symptoms
for back and neck pain Do you have weakness or numbness in a hand or foot?
Are you unable to raise your toe as you walk?
Do you have any loss of bowel or bladder control?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, click here.
