If you’re like most people, you’ll be doing some travelling during the holiday season. Whether you’re going to visit family and friends or taking a much-needed vacation, there’s likely to be some luggage involved. Unfortunately, many people injure their back while lifting luggage – often with painful consequences. In this blog post, we will describe three of the most common back injuries from lifting luggage incorrectly, as well as three ways to prevent them. We’ll also take a look at how osteopathy can help in the healing process for those who have suffered back injuries from luggage lifting.
Back pain can result from carrying bags that are too heavy, from carrying the wrong type of luggage, and from simply not being used to using certain muscles regularly. The larger and heavier your luggage, the more at risk you are for neck, back, and shoulder injuries. Lifting and carrying bulky luggage can strain your bones, muscles, and joints.
Osteopath Tom Ward, at our Epsom clinic explains “When you lift and carry heavy luggage, your joints and muscles need to be strong enough to bear the additional load. But if this is a sudden extra burden on them, the small fibres of the connective tissue tear, and pain results.
What are the most common injuries from lifting heavy bags?
The three most common back injuries from lifting luggage incorrectly are:
1. Strained back muscles – This occurs when the back muscles become overstretched or torn, and can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
2. Bulging or herniated discs – When a disc between two spinal bones gets compressed due to heavy lifting, it can cause back pain, numbness and tingling, as well as sciatica.
3. Spinal fractures – This type of back injury occurs when the spine is put under too much pressure and a fracture results. It can lead to intense back pain, limited mobility, and swelling in the area of the fracture.
Three ways to prevent back pain from lifting
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent back injuries from lifting luggage. Here, osteopath Tom Ward at our Epsom clinic shares three of the most effective:
1. Lift with your legs – When you pick up a heavy object, be sure to use your leg muscles instead of your back muscles. This will help distribute the weight more evenly and prevent back strain. Once lifted, hold the luggage close to your body rather than out to one side.
2. Use proper form – Make sure to bend your back and knees when lifting, rather than just bending at the waist. This will help you maintain a straight back and decrease the stress on your back muscles. Do not twist when lifting and carrying heavy bags. Point your toes in the direction you are headed, and turn your whole body towards that direction.
3. Take frequent breaks – If you’re carrying a heavy load for an extended period of time, take regular breaks to give your back a rest. This will help prevent back strain and fatigue.
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Can osteopathy relieve back pain after lifting heavy bags?
Yes, osteopathy can be a great way to support healing for back injuries from luggage lifting. Osteopathy is a holistic approach to health care that focuses on restoring the body’s natural balance and alignment. Osteopaths use gentle hands-on techniques such as massage, joint manipulation, and stretching to help relieve back pain and promote healing. Our osteopaths also provide advice on how to prevent back injuries in the future, such as proper posture, strengthening exercises, and lifestyle modifications.
Need some help? Contact Tom at our Epsom clinic, or Radhika at our Staines clinic to get relief from neck pain today.
