Medical experts highlight a concerning issue for the estimated 8% of American adults who suffer from persistent or chronic back pain — the harmful impact of simultaneous bending, lifting, and twisting movements. This prevalent health concern challenges daily activities and calls for caution to prevent further damage, especially considering the risks of disk herniation. Disk herniation, a condition where the cushioning disks between vertebrae tear or rupture, can result from these combined motions, particularly when preexisting back damage is present.
It has been observed that engaging in activities such as shoveling snow, lifting a child’s car seat, or maneuvering luggage while traveling can exacerbate back pain and increase the risk of disk herniation. These common tasks often require bending, lifting, and twisting in tandem, potentially causing unexpected stress on the spine. The weight and awkward posture involved in such tasks can put individuals with back pain at a higher risk.
Dr. Arthur Jenkins, a neurosurgeon affiliated with the NFL, underscores the severity of this issue by noting the increased pressure on the spine during these movements. To mitigate this risk, Jenkins advocates for conscious engagement of core muscles. The core functions in concert with back muscles to stabilize the spine, and maintaining strength in both the abdominal and back muscles is essential for reducing the likelihood of injury.
Source: BuzzFeed