Back pain is very common and can be caused by improper posture, lifting techniques, or repetitive motions from certain jobs. Some occupations that put particular strain on the back include heavy truck driving, construction work, landscaping, nursing home work, and firefighting. Chiropractic care such as spinal adjustments can be an effective treatment for back pain and may allow patients to recover faster than other options. Maintaining proper lifting technique, posture, exercise, and diet can help prevent back injuries and pain.

1. BACK PAIN Dr. Michael Vanella

2. BACK PAIN Walking upright on two feet has advantages, but it also puts intense pressure on the spine, as well as on other muscles and bones.

3. BACK PAIN The perfect recipe for back pain is: Improper sitting Improper lifting Improper reaching Normal wear and tear of work and play

4. BACK PAIN FACTS

5. BACK PAIN FACTS 2 nd most common reason for visits to the doctor (#1 is upper respiratory infections) Leading cause of disability between the ages of 19-45 Low back pain is the #1 leading impairment in occupational injuries

6. BACK PAIN FACTS Experts say that 80% of us will experience a back problem at some time in our lives.

7. BACK PAIN FACTS It is estimated that over 80 billion dollars is spent because of back pain each year, and the cost is growing. There is no quick fix or total cure for most back problems. How your back pain affects you on a daily basis is very much up to you!

8. BACK PAIN FACTS Back injuries are a part of everyday life. It can be a sharp pain or a dull ache Tingling, numbness, or burning sensation can accompany it

9. BACK PAIN FACTS You may also feel weakness, pain, or tingling in your pelvis or upper leg – a condition known as sciatica

10. BACK PAIN FACTS The spine is good in dealing with back injuries. Minor injuries heal within a day or 2 If it last longer you need to see a doctor

11. TOP 10 MOST “BACK BREAKING” JOBS

12. #1O AUTO MECHANICS They work in physically awkward positions all day long – bending over cars, sliding under cars, etc.

13. #9 NURSING HOME WORKERS Have to lift elderly people into and out of bed. The workers’ bodies can become twisted and off center.

14. #8 DELIVERY DRIVERS Are always running, often carrying heavy awkward packages. Packages shipped via UPS, FedEx, etc. have increased in weight over the years. The job also involves a lot of driving.

15. #7 FIREFIGHTERS and EMTs Deal with fire, water pressure from hoses and have to chop obstacles with an axe. They often carry people to safety, which is particularly difficult if the victim is obese or incapacitated.

16. #6 ROOFERS Are always twisting their bodies.

17. #5 FARMERS Lift heavy equipment and bags of feed and grain. When doing fieldwork, they constantly have to turn backward to watch equipment that is pulled behind a tractor.

18. #4 POLICE OFFICIERS Sit in their cars for long periods of time, which is rough on the low back. When called into action, they have to make sudden movements and often face resistance from those they are arresting. Police officers also wear belts that can weigh up to 40 pounds, which can cause chronic back pain.

19. #3 LANDSCAPERS Lift heavier objects than any other profession. Wheelbarrows can twist and turn, wrenching the worker’s back.

20. #2 CONSTRUCTION WORKERS Their jobs can involve hammering, lifting, steelwork, or ironwork – all in very awkward positions. Moving steel beams can wreak havoc on the entire body.

21. #1 HEAVY TRUCK & TRACTOR TRAILER DRIVERS Endure constant compression and vibration for trucks. This can damage the back. Prolonged sitting puts pressure on the spine, which can result in disc degeneration.

22. #1 HEAVY TRUCK & TRACTOR TRAILER DRIVERS Liquid carrying trucks are particularly bad. When this type of truck comes to a sudden stop, the fluid in the truck slams back and forth, and the driver feels the impact.

23. #1 HEAVY TRUCK & TRACTOR TRAILER DRIVERS Also, because professional truck drivers are always on the road, their diets are seldom what they should be, which can contribute to back problems.

24. BACK PAIN PREVENTION TIPS

25. TIPS Maintain a healthy diet & weight Remain active – under the supervision of a chiropractor Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest

26. TIPS Warm up or stretch before exercising or other physical activities, such as gardening Maintain proper posture Wear comfortable, low heeled shoes

27. TIPS Sleep in a mattress of medium firmness to minimize any curve in your spine

28. TIPS Quit smoking. Smoking impairs blood flow, resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues.

29. TIPS Work with your doctor of chiropractic to ensure your workstation is ergonomically correct.

30. LIFTING

31. LIFTING 100 lbs. 10 lbs. LEVER EFFECT -- can magnify weight by factor of up to 10 40 lbs. 200 lbs.

32. PLAN THE LIFT How heavy the object is? How far it has to be moved? Where it is going to end up? Is it cumbersome? Is it a two person job? Is there anything that needs to be moved prior to lifting?

33. CORRECT POSITIONING Stand directly in front of the load, with feet about shoulder width apart. One foot should be in front of the other one for good balance.

34. CORRECT LIFTING TECHNIQUE Bend your knees and tighten your stomach muscles. Using both hands grasp the object and pull it as close as possible to your body.

35. CORRECT TECHNIQUE It is very important to LIFT WITH YOUR LEGS NOT THE LOW BACK. The main reason for this is that leg muscles are much stronger than low back muscles.

36. CORRECT VERSUS INCORRECT Correct Technique Incorrect Technique

37. LAST BUT NOT LEAST Avoid twisting AND bending of the lower back at the same time! This is one the most damaging movements to the spine. To avoid twisting, pivot the feet to complete the lift. Get help if necessary! If the load is too bulky or heavy, don't hesitate to get help or use a hand truck! Don't be too tough or too busy to get help. A strong will does not take the place of a reasonably safe lift.

38. CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT FOR BACK PAIN

39. CHIROPRACTIC If you experience back pain, consult your doctor of chiropractic More than 30 million Americans sought chiropractic care last year alone.

40. CHIROPRACTIC With a thorough knowledge of the structure and functioning of the human body, doctors of chiropractic make diagnosis and take steps to correct problems using spinal adjustments, dietary and lifestyle advice, and other natural tools.

41. SPINAL ADJUSTMENTS Primary form of treatment by doctors of chiropractic Recommend option for back pain treatment by state and workers’ compensation guidelines

42. RECENT MEDICAL STUDIES SAY … Chiropractic not only safe and effective, but can cut costs and get workers back on the job faster than other treatments. Adjustments offer better short term relief of chronic back pain than medications.

43. THANK YOU