BACK AND OTHER MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES

1. BACK AND OTHER MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES CARE AND PREVENTION

2. STATISTICS • Almost 100% will suffer some musculoskeletal problem in their lifetime • 80% of work-age persons have already experienced some back pain or discomfort • 100 million work days lost annually • Direct and indirect dollars spent annually is over 25 BILLION dollars • Back injuries second only to respiratory infections in lost work time and dollars

3. THE SKELETON’SBASIC FUNCTIONS • Provides body support • Maintain upright position • Protect spinal cord and other soft tissue • Allows flexibility to bend and rotate • Cushion against shock

4. CAUSES OF MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURY CAUSES • Probably no single cause • Result of years of traumas and stresses • Eventual “twinge” or “pop” is the straw that broke the camel’s back • Collective causes are poor posture, faulty body mechanics, loss of body strength and flexibility, and general fitness decay

5. ANATOMY OF THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN • Vertebra - Bones • Process - Bone extension from vertebra • Joint - Space between vertebra • Disc - Cartilage rings or pads • Ligament - Connective tissue • Muscle - Create movement • Tendon - Tie muscles to bones • Nerve - Control muscle activity

6. PHYSIOLOGY OF THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN • Provides body support and structure • Absorbs shock • Enervation path to most all body parts • No blood flow or enervation to discs • Discs cannot be repaired or replaced by body • Pain in extremities may be caused by pinched nerve in vertebral column

7. Vertebral Column Regions Cervical (7) Thoracic (12) Lumbar (5) Sacral (5)

8. Keep your spinal column aligned in its natural curves To reduce stress on lower back rest one foot at a time Keep work area at elbow level STANDING POSTURE

9. Change (shift) your posture often Stretch frequently Keep your body flexible (not rigid or fixed) Don’t force your body to conform to its workspace STRETCH OFTEN & SHIFT POSITIONS

10. Stretch your muscles and warm up before lifting? Wear slip resistant shoes? Clear a pathway before you move the item? Visualize the move before you start. PREPARING TO LIFT OR MOVE

11. Assess the situation Is the load big, bulky, heavy? Do you need help? Remember, no single technique will work in all circumstances LIFT WITH COMMON SENSE!

12. Can You Slide It Instead of Lift It? PUSH-- DON’T PULL

13. If needed, get help or assistance before lifting Use proper equipment - Hand trucks - Forklifts - Dollies or carts Re-adjust the load or your position before you lift Need Help Or Assistance?

14. The safe lifting zone is between the knees and shoulders Below knee level? Bend with your knees and lift with your legs Above your shoulders? Use a stool or ladder The Safe Lifting Zone

15. Plant your feet firmly - get a stable base Bend the knees- not the waist Tighten abdominal muscles to support your spine Get a good grip- use both hands Place hands on opposite corners for balance When You Lift ---

16. Keep the load close to your body Use your leg muscles as you lift Keep your back upright, in its natural posture Lift steadily and smoothly without jerking When You Lift ---

17. Lift while reaching or stretching Lift from an uncomfortable posture Fight to recover a dropped object Lift and twist at the same time When You LiftDo Not!

18. Lifting And Carrying Problems • Loss of Body Balance • Deviating from the back’s normal curvature • Sideward lifting • Extended arms lifting • Improper carrying • Twisting and repetitive motion

19. Common Mistakes • Lifting with back bent forward and legs straight • Using fast jerky motions • Lifting and twisting at the same time • Carrying the load away from the body • Poor planning and/or communication • Insufficient strength

20. Rules For Lifting • Plan lifts; Remove obstacles • Test the load weight • Get assistance when necessary • Maintain balanced body position • Whenever possible use large muscles • Firm stomach muscles when lifting • Proper hand placement for balance

21. Rules For Lifting • Keep load as close to the body as possible • Pivot feet instead of twisting back • Minimize reaching and bending • Smooth and continuous motions • Maintain wide stable base throughout lift

22. Examples Of Injuries And Maladies • Herniated or ruptured disc. No such thing as a “slipped disc” • Osteoarthritis - a wearing away of discs • Aging and weight lifting causes a flattening of discs • Accidental injury (breaks, sprains, strains, etc.) • Birth defects

23. Design and carry out exercise protocol to fit body needs Utilize stretch routine frequently to keep body flexible Helps prevent injury Do not overdo-- follow doctor’s instruction carefully Exercise Program

24. Muscle Guarding Pain Muscle Inflammation Muscle Guarding Muscle Spasm Restricted Movement Metabolite Retention Circulatory Reduction

25. Remember! • Plan your tasks carefully to avoid back pain or stress • Managing your back is your responsibility • Your work day is one third of your total day • Relieving musculoskeletal stress away from work is just as important