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 Dr. Geno A. Pisciottano has served the Peters Township area since 1997 and is a graduate of the Palmer College of Chiropractic. Dr Geno A. Pisciottano can be reached at 724-743-4500. His office, The Wellness Chiropractic Center at Southpointe, is located at 1001 Corporate Drive, Suite 120 (located in The Healthclub at Southpointe), Canonsburg, PA 15317.
Prevention is Easier
Than Repair
For both home buyers and sellers, early summer can be an exciting
time. However, they forget the dreaded day of the actual move. We
have all moved at least once in our lives. Some can’t even keep count
of how many times they have moved. After the truck pulls up, the
heavy work begins. This is when most people hurt themselves, trying
to move heavy boxes and furniture.
Proper lifting technique is critical to back safety, but perhaps what
is more important is proper planning. Before you lift a box, or table, or
mom’s antique china cabinet, take a moment to consider your action:
Do you need to lift the item manually? How heavy is it likely
to be?Many times the item you are shifting could be moved with a piece
of equipment, such as a dolly or handtruck. Consider using
mechanical aids wherever possible. If the item needs to be moved
manually and it is heavy or ungainly, ask for help. With a dolly,
remember to push, not pull – you will have more control and greater
leverage. Properly fasten the load to the equipment so that sudden
stops or vibration do not jar it off. Also, coordinate team lifting.
Ideally, workers should be of approximately the same size for team
lifting. One individual needs to be responsible for control of the action
to ensure proper coordination. If one worker lifts too soon, shifts the
load, or lowers it improperly, either they or the person working with
them may be injured.
Basic steps of safe lifting and handling:
• Size up the load and check overall conditions. Don’t attempt the lift
by yourself if the load appears to be too heavy or awkward. Check that
there is enough space for movement, and that the footing is good.
• Make certain that your balance is good. Feet should be shoulderwidth
apart, with one foot beside and the other foot behind the object
that is to be lifted.
• Bend (the knees; don’t stoop. Keep the back straight, but not
vertical. Tucking in the chin straightens the back.)
• Grip the load with the palms of your hands and your fingers. The
palm grip is much more secure. Tuck in the chin again to make
certain your back is straight before starting to lift.
• Use your body weight to start the load moving, then lift by pushing
up with the legs. This makes full use of the strongest set of muscles.
• Keep the arms and elbows close to the body while lifting.
• Carry the load close to the body. Don’t twist your body while
carrying the load. To change direction, shift your foot position and
turn your whole body.
• Watch where you are going!
• To lower the object, bend the knees. Don’t stoop. To deposit the
load on a bench or shelf, place it on the edge and push into position.
Make sure your hands and feet are clear when placing the load.
Moderation and balance are important considerations in care and
maintenance of your back. You need the correct proportions of
strength, flexibility, and overall quality of life to eliminate or minimize
back injuries. You need to exercise, eat right, and stretch as often as
possible to help prevent injuries, and to recover more quickly if
injured. In addition, a reduction in stress levels can help to relieve the
muscle tension that can contribute to injuries.
If you do get injured, apply an ice or cold pack to the injured area
for the first 48 to 72 hours. Apply cold packs or ice for 15 to 20
minutes, 3 to 4 times a day or up to once an hour. Cold decreases
swelling and pain. For the first 48 hours after an injury, avoid things
that might increase swelling, such as hot showers, or hot tubs, hot
packs. Avoid bed rest. Bed rest is not an effective treatment for back
pain and may cause you to heal more slowly.
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