Spring Cleaning Your Posture: Mechanics for Heavy Lifting

Don't Let Yard Work Wreck Your Back

The snow is gone, and the rakes are out. For many homeowners in St. James, this weekend means hours of raking, bending, and lifting heavy yard waste bags.

Every year, we see a spike in low back complaints in April. The culprit? Usually the Twist and Lift.

The Biomechanics of a Lift

Your lumbar spine (lower back) is incredibly strong when it is neutral. It is incredibly vulnerable when it is twisted.

• The Error: Bending over at the waist, grabbing a heavy bag of wet leaves, and twisting your torso to throw it onto the truck. This shears the discs in your low back.

• The Fix: Point your nose and your toes in the same direction. If you need to turn, move your feet. Do not twist your spine while holding weight.

  
  

Maintenance Matters

Think of your body like your lawnmower. You would not run the mower after a long winter without checking the oil. Do not run your body into a weekend of heavy labour without checking your alignment. A pre-season adjustment can ensure your hips are balanced and ready for the work ahead.