How Can Carpenters Prevent Back Pain?
Carpenters have strenuous jobs. They need to work in high and inaccessible spaces, lift heavy materials, and utilize tools constantly. This highly physical job environment can inevitably lead to injuries, both from obvious hazards and repetition. Because of this, carpentry (and construction work in general) is one of the occupations at the highest risk for back pain. As a Bellmore Chiropractor, Dr. Brenner has helped people in this line of work overcome work-related injuries. In this post, we’ll discuss the steps that carpenters can take to limit back pain, and enjoy a pain-free lifestyle.
Pay Attention to Weight
1. Lift With Assistance
Naturally, carpenters should pay close attention to the weight of the materials and tools that they handle. Continually lifting sheetrock, plywood, and other heavy materials all day can be an enormous strain for the back. For the sake of time, many carpenters elect to carry these heavy materials independently. Carpenters should avoid doing this whenever possible.
Because of the cumbersome shape and size of these materials, carpenters should always seek help when lifting. Not only does this limit the strain on the back, it also enables carpenters to practice the proper lifting technique. With another person assisting in the lifting process, you can easily put the weight on your legs, not your back.
2. Carry Minimal Tools in your Tool Belt
While lifting is often the cause of back strain, tool belts can contribute as well. Carpenters should consciously decide which tools to carry on any given day. While they can save time, they are ultimately dangerous for the back.
Rather than carrying all of your tools with you, take only the ones that you will need. For example, leave the hammer in situations where you will only need a drill. Also, select lightweight tools that are ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue. When you do need to carry many tools, be sure to distribute them evenly around your body. For advice on how to properly distribute this weight, contact a Bellmore Chiropractor.
Treat Your Body Well
3. Avoid Uncomfortable or Hunched Positions
For some carpenters, a day of work naturally involves an uncomfortable position. Whether you are leaning forward to drive a nail or hunched over to screw something in, much of the day is spent in a hunched position.
Rather than rushing to complete the job, take the time to find a comfortable position instead. Locate equipment that can help you do this in a safe manner, and utilize it.
4. Keep Repetitive Motions to a Minimum
Unfortunately, repetitive motions like moving your arms up or crouching down are unavoidable. But, they are also one of the biggest sources of back pain. When the same parts of your body feel the same sensations on a continuous basis, it will begin to wear down the tissue in the area. And, while repetitive motions are not entirely avoidable in the world of carpentry, you can minimize them. If you are curious about which motions may be causing your back strain, then ask a Bellmore Chiropractor.
Try to find more efficient tools that can eliminate this discomfort when possible. If not, then try to juggle various tasks instead.
Practice Job Site Safety
5. Clean up
Hazards on the job site can be a detriment to spinal health as well. Debris, scattered materials and loose tools are all tripping hazards. Falling can be disastrous for your health, and inflict serious damage to the spine.
6. Follow Safety Regulations
The regulations are there for a reason. So, be sure to wear safety equipment, be cognizant of power cords, and avoid unsteady footing.
Also, communicate regularly with fellow job site workers about potential hazards, and ways that you can avoid them.
7. Take Precautions With Ladders
Falling from a precariously high position can be disastrous for your health. Ladders tend to be somewhat unstable, so securing them is essential for your safety. Falling from a ladder may cause significant damage to your spine, and potentially other areas of the body. This is especially true with loose objects in the vicinity.
8. Consistent Chiropractic Care
With a taxing job like carpentry, treating your body well is important. But healing it is important as well. Receiving consistent chiropractic care from a Bellmore Chiropractor will mitigate the damage that this job will cause to your body. It will also restore the health of other parts of the body, creating a healthier mentality.
Find a Chiropractor in Bellmore
People spend most of their day at work. So, finding a way to complete your daily tasks without inducing back strain is imperative. At Brenner Chiropractic, we are dedicated to ensuring that patients can enjoy a pain-free lifestyle. Contact us for more information about how we can aid you in your back pain recovery.