From The Desk of Ann Arbor Chiropractor, Mike Tannenbaum, D.C.

This is the time of year (spring, summer) where we tend to be doing more lifting. This time of year we generally doing more yard work and house projects that require heavy lifting. Therefore, I thought it would be a good time to go over the right way to lift objects off the ground.

1. Always know where you are planning to move the object you are lifting. Make sure there is a clear path from the point you are lifting the object to the point where you are putting the object down. If you are lifting the item with someone else make sure they agree on the route you plan to take with the object.

2. Feet should be placed shoulder width apart and make sure the feet are planted firmly on the ground. This will promote good strength, stability and balance when lifting.

4. Make sure that you are close to the object you are lifting. When lifting the object it should be close to your body. This gives you a lot more stability and you are much less likely to hurt yourself then if you were holding the object at arms length.

5. Bend you knees and lift with you legs and keep you back straight. As you lift look ahead as this will help keep your back straight. Also, when lifting imagine you are pushing through your quad (thigh) muscles.

6. Tighten you stomach muscles while lifting. This will help keep your core and body stable while lifting.

7. Make sure you are not straining. If you are straining get some help.

Some reminders:

Hold object close to body.

Keep your back straight. Don't bend your back or twist your back when picking up the object.

Always look straight ahead when lifting.