To reduce the risk of back injuries as well as back pain in caregivers, proper lifting techniques and methods need to be learned. In addition to learning proper body placement when lifting or transferring a loved one, a caregiver also needs to assess certain risks, learn to control those risks, and to evaluate methods that help alleviate such risks altogether.
The spine provides the basic form of movement and support for the human body; therefore it is constantly used, and suffers cumulative injuries caused by repetitive lifting of heavy objects. Caregivers must often handle awkward situations in a home environment, including patients who are uncooperative, overweight, fearful, and even wet, all of which increase the risk of injury.
Injuries can be alleviated by the use of:
- Grab rails and toilet seat risers in the bathroom
- Adjustable shower benches or chairs designed for bathtub use
- Adequate activity planning to reduce the number of transfers needed
- Proper training in positioning and ergonomic lifting procedures
The most important aspect of preventing shoulder, neck, and back injuries is a proper lifting technique. To reduce chances of injury, when transferring patients, caregivers should:
- Make sure that feet are stable, and as close as possible to the person being lifted.
- Face the person to be lifted, slightly bend the knees and squat in preparation to lift. Hold in the abdominals and keep the back straight. This will add lifting strength and encourage additional power from legs and arms.
- Maintain a position as close to the person as possible so that excess strain is not placed on the back by leaning over.
- When turning a patient from back to side, distribute weight equally between feet and try to avoid extended forward bending movements as much as possible.
- Point feet toward the person being lifted. If possible, place one foot in between the patient's feet and one foot to the outside for optimal stability.
- Attempt to lift using a smooth, flowing motion, pushing upward with leg muscles.
When possible, alleviate awkward body positions while bathing, dressing and lifting a loved one. Avoiding twisting, bending, and stooping positions will help to alleviate strain not only on the spine, but also on muscles and joints.