Body Mechanics

1
Body Mechanics
2
Anatomy

• Spinal curves
• Cervical - Lordosis
• T-spine - Kyphosis
• L-spine Lordosis
• Sacrum

3
Anatomy

• Cervical is the neck area made up of 7 vertebrae
  and curved inward or lordosis
• Thoracic is mid-back with 12 vertebrae and has
  outward curve or kyphosis
• Lumbar area is lower back with 5 vertebrae and is
  curved inward or lordosis
• Sacrum is below lumbar and is solid mass of bone.

4
Anatomy

• Vertebrae
• Intervertebral discs
• Spinal nerve roots
• L-spine muscles and ligaments

5
Anatomy Vertebrae

• The spinal column is a stack of bones called
  vertebrae. Each vertebrae comes in contact with
  the one above and below it at junctions called
  facet joints. Each facet joint is angled
  differently throughout the three areas which
  determines the direction and extent of movement
  in that area.

6
Anatomy Intervertebral Discs

• Between the bodies of each vertebrae are
  jelly-like masses called discs. The disc is made
  up mostly of water and fluid. The outside
  fibrous layers are called the annulus. In the
  middle of the disc is another fluid mass called
  the nucleus. The discs act as shock absorbers
  and allow normal motion to take place.

7
Anatomy Spinal Root Nerves

• Nerves branch off the spinal cord and appear
  through an opening called the foramen which is
  created by the shape of the vertebrae. The part
  of the nerve in this area is the nerve root which
  branches off into smaller divisions throughout
  the body.

8
Anatomy Muscles and ligaments

• The ligaments of the spine are basically small,
  non-elastic bands that connect to the discs and
  vertebrae, lending support and stability to the
  spine.
• Anterior longitudinal ligament is strong and
  limit backward bending
• Posterior longitudinal ligament is weak which
  limits forward bending.

9
Anatomy Muscles and ligaments

• Muscles are interrelated that muscles in the
  lowest part of the back can help to hold the head
  up.
• Muscles have strong attachments to the vertebrae
  along the entire length of the spine
• Are strongest and most efficient when they are in
  their mid-range position

10
Anatomy Muscles and ligaments

• Muscle of the back include
• Trapezius
• Latissimus Dorsi
• Erector Spinae

11
Back Injuries

• What causes back injuries
• Increase force/stress
• Repetitive Motion/twisting
• Forward bending
• Poor or improper lifting techniques
• Poor posture
• Poor Job design
• Deconditioned/Poor physical fitness

12
Back Injuries

• Overweight
• Smoking
• Nutrition
• Stress

13
Back Injuries

• What types of injures occur?
• Herniated discs
• Pinched nerve
• Muscle strain/sprain
• Muscle spasms
• Joint irritation/fracture

14
(No Transcript)
15
Mechanics Poor Posture

• One of the main reasons that injuries occur
• Means that the spines normal curves are
  exaggerated or decreased creating stresses and
  strains in the tissues.
• The result is pain and dysfunction and can lead
  to serious injury.

16
Mechanics Poor Posture

• Spending long periods of time in abnormal
  positions is stressful and damaging to the spine.
• With increased lumbar lordosis, facet joints are
  under increased pressure, nerve root spaces
  become smaller, and muscle and ligaments are
  shortened.

17
Mechanics Poor Posture

• With Flat Back, there is no lordosis curvature.
• The nucleus of the disc is pushed backward,
  posterior ligaments are stretched, facet joints
  are stretched and in unstable position, low back
  muscles are stretched, and upper back is weakened.

18
Mechanics Forward Bending

• Forward bending can over-stretch the low back
  muscles to the point where they can lose strength
  to protect the spine from injury.
• The ligaments are also weakened
• Can increase stress on the discs
• Range of the bend and time spend in the position
  can determine amount of damage

19
Mechanics Twisting

• Repetitive twisting can do damage to the spine.
• It over stretches ligaments and muscles causing
  weakness.
• Can damage discs especially combined with bending.

20
Mechanics Poor Job Design/ Ergonomics

• Injury can occur when
• Moving a load too heavy
• Moving a load too often
• Moving a load too far
• Twisting with a load
• Work too far to reach
• Cold temperature, vibration
• Improper chair/equipment

21
Mechanics Poor Work Habits

• Poor positions
• Poor movement
• Improper lifting habits
• Make the job more difficult
• Repetitive twisting and bending

22
Mechanics Poor Physical Fitness

• Decrease oxygen delivery to muscles can cause
  muscles to wear down and lead to weakness.

23
Mechanics Overweight

• Creates extra work for the spine
• Leads to excess fatigue and wear/tear in the body

24
Mechanics Smoking

• Nicotine damages connective tissue decreasing
  circulation and oxygen in the blood which affects
  muscle strength

25
Mechanics Nutrition

• Muscles need protein to repair worn
  musculoskeletal tissue
• Bones need minerals for strength

26
Mechanics Stress

• Stress stiffens and weakens back muscles and
  increases pain sensitivity

27
Body Mechanics

• Knowledge (think)
• Know your work environment
• Know your patient
• Know the tools available
• Know how to use the tools

28
(No Transcript)
29
Body Mechanics Quick Tips

• Find neutral spine
• Bend knees
• Use legs
• No twisting
• Avoid long distances
• Objects close to you
• Acquire the patients help

30
Body Mechanics Quick Tips

• Clear environment
• Secure transfer areas
• Slow secure movements
• Get help
• Use assistive device

31
(No Transcript)
32
(No Transcript)
33
Proper Lifting Techniques

• Stand with feet apart one foot slightly ahead of
  the other
• Wide stance helps balance during lifting
• Squat down keeping back straight, keep chin
  tucked, and lift smoothly
• Keep object close to you
• Bend your knees and hips using legs to lift

34
Proper Lifting Techniques

• Maintain lumbar curve
• Do not twist or bend sideways
• Face the object you are picking up
• If changing direction, do not twist, pivot with
  your feet
• If you reach over shoulder level, raise onto a
  low step to get closer to the object

35
Proper Lifting Techniques

• Push rather than pull
• Pushing is much easier for your back
• Stabilize hands on the object, keep back in
  extended position, and do all the pushing and
  moving with your legs
• Take your time-hurrying causes muscles to act
  inappropriately and increase chance of injury

36
Proper Lifting Techniques

• Change stressful positions often
• If you are sitting for too long- stand
• If you are standing for too long- stop and squat
• Carrying an object-hold the load close to the body

37
Prevention

• Keep muscles and joint flexible
• Exercise to decrease weight
• Stay in shape
• Increase muscle strength
• Prepare for your JOB!!
• Back safety is a lifestyle
• Get plenty of rest/sleep

38
Prevention

• Interrupt stressful positions
• Maintain good sitting posture
• Maintain good standing posture
• Perform back extensions
• Wear comfortable clothes to allow movement
• Healthy balanced diet