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Back Safety

Back Safety. Presented by: Bill Byron. September 25, 2009. Back facts in general…. About 85% of Americans experience back trouble by age 50. Back problems are the most frequent cause of activity limitations in working-age adults

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Back Safety

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  1. Back Safety Presented by: Bill Byron September 25, 2009

  2. Back facts in general… • About 85% of Americans experience back trouble by age 50. • Back problems are the most frequent cause of activity limitations in working-age adults • In the long run, surgery, chiropractic care, etc., are considered no more effective than no treatment in reducing low back pain…so, prevention is key!

  3. Personal factors • Age • LBP occurs greatest among 35-55 y/o • Gender • Equal among males and females • Anthropometry • No evidence based on body size or shape • Physical fitness and conditioning • Evidence supports conditioning, optimal type in question • Lumbar mobility • No evidence that reduced mobility associated with LBP • Strength • Some evidence linking poor physical performance to LBP • Medical history • Evidence that hx of LBP increases risk for future problems • Structural abnormalities • No strong evidence exists between this factor and LBP Source: NYC firefighter study

  4. Common Back Disorders • General joint stiffness • Acute strains and sprains • Muscle guarding or spasm • Disc bulge  herniation • Degenerative disk disease • Osteoarthritis Source: The Saunders Group

  5. Anatomy Review…the spine • Bones • Joints • Discs • Muscles and ligaments • Nerves

  6. Anatomy Review…the spine

  7. Sciatica • “Catch-all” diagnosis • Back pain radiates down leg to foot • Avoid long periods of sitting • Stand up every 20 minutes to recover • arch in spine • Keep mobile – go for walks • Stretch regularly • If pain persists see doctor Sciatic nerve (largest nerve in body)

  8. Back Injury Cycle Rehab Back Problem Hurts to Move Weakness Stiffness Stop Moving Source: The Saunders Group

  9. Leading Causes of Back Problems • Poor body mechanics • Stressful living & work habits • General physical fitness decline • Loss of flexibility • Loss of strength Source: The Saunders Group

  10. Another cause of back problems…accidents It is also possible to injure your back due to accidents.

  11. How do we take care of our back? • Body Mechanics • Proper Lifting Techniques • Maintain safe postures • Keep physically fit • Stretch and exercise • Stress management • Good nutrition Source: The Saunders Group

  12. Body Mechanics “It’s not how much you lift or move, but the way you do it”! General Rules: • Push vs. Pull • Keep Work Within “Strike Zone” • Keep Load Close To Body • Use Abdominal Bracing • Pivot with Feet - Avoid Twisting • Team Work vs. Mule Work Source: The Saunders Group

  13. Avoid lifting and bending when able Place objects up off the floor. Set objects down on a table or other elevated surface instead of on the floor. Raise / lower shelves. The best zone for lifting is between your shoulders and your waist. Put heavier objects on shelves at waist level, lighter objects on lower or higher shelves.

  14. Power Position: • Wide base of support • Feet shoulder width apart • Back straight • Head and shoulders up • Bend at hips and knees - NOT BACK! • Keep load close to body • Tighten stomach muscles • Use leg, hip and buttock muscles • Breathe out with lift Proper Lifting Technique Demo!

  15. QUESTIONS?

  16. Back Safety isn’t just a work thing!The big picture…

  17. think of things you do at home… • Washing dishes, pots & pans • Carrying and loading groceries • Picking up and carrying kids • Walking the dog • Yard work • Raking, shoveling, sweeping • Lawn mowing, snow removal • Wheel barrels

  18. think of driving your car… • Elbow resting on door, center console • Wrist over steering wheel • Buttock and back pain • Posture • Nerve and tissue compression • Position of legs while driving • Muscle strain: hamstring tightness • Decreased circulation • Increased pain – lateral right knee • Upper neck/back tension and pain • Muscle strain:upper trapezius • Stress reactions, trigger points • Eye strain • Glare • Dehydration

  19. think of sleeping in your bed… • Neck posture • Shoulder and arm posture • Wrist posture • Knee and hip posture • Back posture For long periods of time: static and awkward positions, decreased circulation, increased compression!

  20. there is no magic solution…we are all unique in certain ways • Age • Gender • Anthropometrics – Body Size & Shape • Equipment accommodates 5th% female to 95th% male • Skill Level • General Health and Condition

  21. Injury Prevention…Conditioning is key! • Strength and Stability • Flexibility • Aerobics for endurance • Anaerobics for recovery

  22. Aerobic Exercise • 20-30 minutes per day • Enhanced circulation - healthier heart • Weight management benefit • Increases endurance & decreases recovery time • Enables sustained performance without increased stress to body systems • Breathing rates return to normal quicker after strenuous work • Heart maintains more constant rate as opposed to peaks and valleys

  23. Other benefits of conditioning… • Reduction in blood pressure • Increase in good (HDL) cholesterol • Decreased total cholesterol • Increased heart function • Decreased body fat stores • Increased aerobic capacity • Decreased clinical symptoms of anxiety, tension, depression • Possible reduction in mortality in post-heart attack patients

  24. Making Physical Activity a Part of Your Life. There are 1440 minutes in every day...Schedule 30 of them for physical activity.

  25. Strength & Flexibilityareas of focus… • Trunk • Abdominals • Extensors • Legs • Quads • Gluts • Hip Flexors

  26. Stability Exercises • Crunches • Press Ups • Bird Dog

  27. Stretches for Flexibility • Swiss Ball • Lower Trunk Rotation • Hamstring Stretch • Quad Stretch

  28. QUESTIONS?

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