Good Body Mechanics for Healthcare Workers

Healthcare professions experience some of the highest rates of musculoskeletal injuries compared to all other industries in the United States. At work, you perform many tasks every day that could cause an injury to your back, wrist, arms, or knees. These include repeated lifting, prolonged standing, bending, twisting, reaching, pushing, and pulling. Good stance or posture can protect you from such injuries besides making everyday tasks easier.

A balanced spine

• A balanced spine is made of bones (vertebrae) and pads of cartilage (disks) arranged in 3 natural curves.

• Your neck (cervical curve) supports your head. And your middle back (thoracic curve) is supported by your rib cage.

• Your lower back (lumbar curve) carries more than its fair share, balancing your entire upper body. This extra load and the mobility of the lumbar curve make it the most susceptible to injury. The core muscle groups (of the abdominal, gluteal, and hip regions) support the lumbar spine.

  Good posture keeps your spine and muscles balanced, protecting your disks, nerves, and vertebrae from injury.

Using good body mechanics

Moving your body correctly is a skill that needs your constant attention. How well you perfect the skill can mean the difference between a fatigued or injured back and a healthy back. Below are a few tips to help you use good body mechanics:

• Hold loads close to your body to reduce the effect of their weight.

• To prevent twisting injuries, move your torso—from your shoulders to your hips—as one solid unit.

• Use a wide base of support (feet spread apart). Keep your knees bent to make your legs work harder, reducing the stress on your back.

• Prevent quick, jerky movements.

• Face the direction that you will be moving.

• Never transfer patients when you are off balance or without assistance.

• Tighten abdominal muscles to help support your movements.

• Use ambulation assistance tools like gait belts with handles, canes, walkers, or crutches, along with transfer equipment, such as slide boards or friction-reducing slide sheets.

• Employ manual standing aids, shower chairs or benches, and raised toilet seats or adaptable commodes whenever they are accessible.

• Be mindful of your limits, Don't attempt tasks beyond your physical capacity.

Correct nutrition, regular exercise, adequate rest, and good sleep play a huge role in preventing injuries and maintaining good health. Use comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for the tasks you are expected to perform.