SPINAL HEALTH AND INJURY PREVENTION

Produced by CBI Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre Fort McMurray

Presented by Joel Wockner B.App.Sci (HMS)

You will learn about…

• Common myths about back pain• Risks for back pain• Anatomy and posture• Common types of injuries• Prevention - adapted postures, correct

lifting/sitting postures• Exercise principles• Stretching exercises

Myth or Fact• Arthritis is a disease that often attacks the

spine• Most back problems happen as a result of one

specific incident• Degenerative disc disease is a condition that

can be cured with proper treatment• If you have a ‘slipped disc’ you must have

surgery• If your back hurts you should rest until the pain

goes away• Most back pain is caused by heavy lifting• Back belts prevent injury

PREVENTION

=

REDUCING KNOWN RISKS

So lets take a look at the risks

Primary Causes of Back Pain

• Overexertion

• Repetition

• Poor Body Mechanics

• Whole Body Vibration

• Decreased levels of flexibility

• Decreased levels of physical fitness

Anatomy

Intervertebral Disc

Annulus Fibrosis

Nucleus

Intervertebral DiscBACK FRONT

Neutral

Forward bending

Backward bending

• Degeneration occurs as we age

• Our spine “wears out” gradually

• Discs dehydrate

• Our bones calcify further: Osteoarthritis

Degeneration changes that show on x-ray generally don’t correlate

with pain

Common Spinal Conditions

Review your day from arising to sleeping…

How many times do you forward bend vs. backward bend?

3300 vs. 7 !!!

Body Mechanics: Forces on the Back

• When you add in the 105 pounds of the average male human upper torso, you see that lifting a 10 pound object actually puts 1150 pounds of pressure on the lower back.

The Hidden Load

6 ft tall, 180 lb.

FORCE = distance x load= 3 ft. x 90 lb. = 270 ft/lb.

Add 10lb lift x 10x force due to reach

= 1270 lb !

——— 3’ ————

Cumulative Loading in Flexion• Disc bulges backwards

• Muscles can’t contract properly

• Back muscles are weaker than legs

• Hanging on ligaments/shearing

Safe Lifting

Take the time to lift using correct body mechanics

USE YOUR LEGS!!!

Twice the amount of force goes through the discs in sitting vs. standing

Sitting increases disc compression especially when the lumbar curve is not well maintained

When we maintain neutral posture…

• Our spine is aligned and moves smoothly

• We have less stress applied through our body

• We will experience less discomfort

Test Your Standing Posture

• Ears over shoulders• Shoulders over hips• Hips over knees• Knees slightly bent

and not locked• Maintain normal

curves in spine

BACK Biomechanical Principle

• B - Wide Base of support

• A - Aligned hips and shoulders

• C - Keep the load Close to your body

• K - Knees and 900 (buttocks back)

Remember, your spine is on duty 24/7These principles apply at home, work

and play

Benefits of Exercise

• Improves / maintains flexibility

• Improves / maintains strength

• Reduces stress

• Improves attitude

Exercise Guidelines

• Consult family doctor• Start out easy• Increase gradually• Exercise regularly• A little pain is OK but should not linger• Neck exercises should not cause arm pain• Back exercises should not cause leg pain