Transcript Body Mechanics

Body Mechanics
How to Prevent Injury and
Maintain Back Health
The Back
• 33 Vertebrae
• Spinal Cord
• Spinal Nerves
• Muscles
Common Problems
• Strain/Fatigue
• Vertebral Fracture
• Herniated Disk
• Disease
Causes of Pathology
• Poor Posture
• Lack of Exercise
• Excess Weight
Exercises that Help the Back
• Seat Tightener – prone. Tighten buttocks
for 2 seconds
• Pelvic Tilt – supine, knees bent, feet flat on
floor. Tighten abs and buttocks for 5
seconds.
• Partial Sit-ups – supine, knees bent, feet
flat on floor. Slowly raise head and
shoulders reaching towards the knees.
Chronic Back Strain
Due to sitting or standing partly
bent over for long periods of time
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Use good posture
Change position frequently
Stretch often
Adjust work heights to prevent bending
Relax often
Safe Lifting
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Feet width of shoulders
Stand close
Squat down
Grasp firmly
Breathe in and tighten abdomen
Lift with legs
Hold close to body
Special Rules
• When lifting overhead: use ladder, not
chair or box
• Pivot with whole body, not just waist area
• Too heavy, get help or use proper
equipment
• Keep back bowed “in”,
never bow back “out”
• Keep in mind that your upper body is part
of the “load” when bending over
Back Emergencies
• Vertebral Fracture – due to a blow or twist
to the neck or back
• Signs: severe pain across chest, abdomen
or down legs
• Muscle spasms
• Weakness or numbness below the injury
Back Emergency First Aid
• Call 911
• Don’t move victim
• If movement is necessary, use back board
and turn, lift as a unit (log roll)