The bone and joint experts at Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville remind you to be careful if you’re in the process of moving as the physical intensity of moving can be extreme.

Packing boxes, moving heavy furniture, emptying overhead cabinets – all come with some risk for injury, especially to your back. Back pain is one of the most common reasons for Americans visiting their doctors. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 21.9 million people visited their physician for back pain in 2007 and 4.8 million went to the emergency room for such back ailments.

To avoid heavy-lifting injuries, keep the following tips in mind:
• It is important to separate your feet, shoulder-width apart and bend at the knees while tightening the stomach muscles.
• Try and get help. Ask a friend to help or leave the job to the professionals who are trained to lift properly.
• Do not move a very large or awkwardly shaped item yourself, even if you think it is light enough. You could limit your visual scope or strain your neck or back trying to balance it.
• Use several smaller boxes for heavier items and don’t stack boxes above shoulder level when carrying.
• When moving boxes or any object, remove all obstacles – especially smaller throw rugs – from the walkways and stairways and keep the floor and stairs dry to avoid slipping.

Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville bone and joint experts wish you a successful move!