How to avoid moving injuries and when to call your chiropractor
Moving day is one of the most exciting and stressful days in a person's life. And what many people don't understand is that it can also be a pretty dangerous day. Accidents happen. Even if you think you are in top shape, it's necessary to learn proper technique when lifting heavy and bulky items. As usual, it's better to be safe than sorry. Thus, here is how to avoid moving injuries. Still, if anything should happen, you must know when to call your chiropractor to help you recover.
How to avoid moving injuries?
Although every household and, therefore, every move is different, the injuries that can happen are pretty standard. Back and muscle injuries, as well as dropping things on your fingers or toes, is pretty common. When you know what to watch out for, you will better know how to avoid it.
Back injuries
You can expect your back to be under the most strain during your move. Lifting and moving heavy boxes and furniture is not easy. So, injuries can happen even to those in excellent shape. The lucky ones will get away with just sore muscles. The more unfortunate ones can suffer a more severe injury - herniated disks.
How to avoid them?
Many people don't know that they should squat when they want to lift something heavy. Instead, they bend at the waist and pick things up from the ground. This puts too much strain on your back. But if you squat, you will lift with your legs more.
It's necessary to learn proper techniques when lifting heavy boxes and avoid moving injuries.
Moreover, it's essential not to push yourself too hard. Ask for help when moving anything cumbersome or use a dolly. The best thing to do would be to hire professionals to deal with heavy lifting, especially if you have some items requiring a specialized approach, such as a piano. While you can save a lot by handling packing and most of the moving yourself, it's wise to know your limits. You can pack in no time with some help in the form of professional advice and relocate clothes and light ornaments. But, furniture and other heavy items require professional assistance.
Injuries to fingers, toes, and hands
Your hands will be very busy during the relocation, so broken fingers, cuts, and scrapes are very common. Boxes also get dropped, so your feet and toes are not always safe.
How to avoid injuries to your hands and feet?
Suitable gloves and shoes are imperative on a moving day. It's incredible how many sharp edges there are, and heavy-duty gloves can save you from a lot of unnecessary pain. Also, look where you're going and plan your path to and from the moving truck. If there are any obstacles on your way, remove them to make a clear path both for you and movers.
Cuts and scrapes can happen on the other body parts too. Thus, keep most of your skin covered. Jeans are an excellent clothing option for a moving day as the material is pretty tough.
Knee injuries and sprained ankles
Twisting your ankle happens often enough. Add a heavy box to the equation, and it's a potential catastrophe. Also, in the race between your back and knees during the move, it's a dead heat regarding which gets more beating. Since these injuries are not as light as a sore muscle, it's necessary to be extra careful.
A clear path and being extra careful are crucial when carrying boxes to and from the moving truck. And always watch where you are going!
How to avoid knee and ankle injuries?
Knee pads and braces can help you a lot. Also, using moving tools like a dolly or a crate is crucial. There are also furniture sliders you can use to minimize the lifting.
Again, a clear path and good shoes will go a long way in preventing sprained ankles. Work shoes are a great option because they provide a good grip.
When to call your chiropractor?
You can take all preventive measures and be as careful as possible, but accidents can still happen. If they do, it's crucial for you to know when to call your chiropractor and not try to be a hero. While sore muscles will heal quickly and easily on their own, other injuries will demand some tending to.
You are experiencing prolonged joint or muscle pain
If you realize that the pain in your joints or muscles is not going away, don't get another aspirin. You could have problems with musculoskeletal alignment. Using spinal manipulations, your chiropractor will ensure your body continues to function well and relieve you of pain. A trained chiropractor will know how to adjust your spine to increase blood flow and improve nerve conductivity.
If you experience any pain, it’s probably time to call your chiropractor.
Back pain is becoming a chronic issue
Back pain that has lasted for a while is a sure sign you should call your chiropractor. Also, if you have felt that you have thrown your back out during the lifting, you shouldn't delay this call. A chiropractor can give you pain relief and eliminate the need for pain medications or even surgery.
You have a limited range of motion
If you notice a lack of flexibility in your arms and legs, or you can't turn your neck as far as normally, you may need a chiropractor to realign the bones and joints.
You are experiencing sharp pain down your legs
Shooting pain, weakness, or tingling in your legs could be a sign of a pinched nerve or a herniated disk. It's a common moving injury that requires a visit to your chiropractor. Spinal adjustments will alleviate the pressure on the nerve and, thus, relieve you of pain.
Prevention is the key, but you must know when to ask for help
While it's best to avoid moving injuries in the first place by applying all preventive measures and hiring reliable help to handle all the heavy lifting, sometimes accidents will happen no matter what you do. And if they do, you should know when to call your chiropractor to relieve you of pain and avoid using medications and risking invasive surgeries.
Posted In:
Chiropractic
Low Back Pain Treatment
Neck Pain Treatment
Herniated Discs
