The belief on straight back lifting could minimise the risk of injury may be busted by recent research done at Curtin University.
The research paper entitled ‘To flex or not to flex?: Is there a relationship between lumbar spine flexion during lifting and low back pain? A systematic review with meta-analysis’ published in the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, provides that neither of a straight or rounded back when lifting leads to a higher chance of back pain.
The study was conducted involving 697 participants and reviewing all available literature for data, to determine whether the position of the back has a significant effect on increasing the risk of back pain.
According to Professor Peter O’Sullivan, although lifting remains a risk factor for lower back pain, lifting with rounded back could even heighten the risk.
It is a common belief among us that lifting with a rounded back should be avoided because it could strain the back muscles that would lead to back pain. However, upon reviewing the participants who lift 12 kilograms in weight with varying back positions, no evidence has been found that would support the common belief.
Instead of considering the position of back during lifting, the professor pointed out that factors such as repetitive lifting, poor mental or physical health and weight might be more relevant factors in considering the risk of back pain.
Mr. Nic Saraceni, the lead author of the research said that maintaining a straight back during lifting as a proper posture was not justified. Rather, it suggests that various risk factors should be understood.
Changes in manners of lifting in the workplace should be done especially when lifting loads. Different lifting techniques shall be considered to avoid awkward postures and could ease the load on the back.
However, Mr. Saraceni admitted that further research should be done to determine how people in a lifting job for many years do not develop back pain issues. Their experience could provide a better understanding of different risk factors of back pain.
Meanwhile, Physiotherapist Selina Tannenberg said that it is almost impossible to suggest that the proper posture of lifting is a straight back because it neglects the uniqueness of human beings.
Ms. Tannenberg also added that people should lift according to their capacity, to their comfort and their strength. More importantly, people should be mindful of their lifting capacities.
