Whether you are rearranging your living room and moving to a new home, you'll likely need to lift heavy furniture or boxes at some point. Lifting heavy items, when done improperly, can cause arm, shoulder, and back pain. Luckily, learning the proper techniques can help you avoid these serious injuries, so here are some tips to help you move heavy objects safely.

How to Move Heavy Objects Without Hurting Your Back

1. Position Yourself Well

Having a good base is important for lifting heavy objects and not causing back pain. If your feet are too close together, you won't be stable and can hurt your arms and shoulders, and if they're too far apart, you won't be able to move. The most stable position is to have your feet shoulder-width apart, which will allow you to move without straining your muscles.

2. Lift With Your Legs

When lifting, many try to lift with their back, which can put strain on your spine, leaving lasting back pain. Your legs are stronger than your back, so it's important to use them when lifting. The proper way to do this is to widen your stance until your feet are shoulder-width apart, then bend your knees and squat into the position while keeping your waist straight. This will protect your back and give you stability when lifting. 

3. Get Help

Some boxes and objects are too heavy for one person to lift on their own, so make sure you get help when it's needed. Items like tables and sofas, as well as odd-shaped boxes, should be lifted and moved by two or more people. Make sure to lift at the same time, and communicate well, so those involved can avoid injury.

4. Use a Dolly

A dolly is a rolling device that will help you move objects without the strain of lifting them. Using a dolly will help you move heavy items without putting strain on your muscles, so if you're moving and expecting a lot of heavy lifting, purchase a dolly to help take the load off.

If you've hurt your back by lifting heavy items, visit Back to Health Chiropractic in Florence, KY. This team of experienced chiropractors will help you find solutions to your pain through their spine alignment treatments. Their goal is to eliminate, not mitigate, your pain, and whether it's in your neck, shoulders, or back, they will create a specialized treatment plan to help you. To schedule an appointment, call them at (859) 746-2222 or visit their website to browse their services.