Spinal Health, Hygiene, and Safety Class Dr. Tabor Smith Pure Life Family Wellness 12850 Jones Rd. Ste. 101 Houston TX 77070 281-770-8850

* 07/16/96 Spinal Safety The amount of force you place on your back in lifting may surprise you! Think of a lever. With the fulcrum in the center, it only takes ten pounds of pressure to lift a ten pound object. * 3##

the fulcrum in a lever system, on a 10:1 ratio. * 07/16/96 The Forces Involved If you shift the fulcrum to one side, it takes much more force to lift the same object. Lifting a ten pound object puts 100 pounds of pressure on the fulcrum. Your waist acts like the fulcrum in a lever system, on a 10:1 ratio. * 4##

The Forces Involved When you add in the 105 pounds of the * 07/16/96 The Forces Involved When you add in the 105 pounds of the average human upper torso, you see that lifting a ten pound object actually puts 1,150 pounds of pressure on the lower back. * 5##

The Forces Involved If you were 25 pounds overweight, it would add * 07/16/96 The Forces Involved If you were 25 pounds overweight, it would add an additional 250 pounds of pressure on your back every time you bend over. * 6##

Anytime you find yourself doing one of these things, you should think: * 07/16/96 Anytime you find yourself doing one of these things, you should think: DANGER! My back is at risk! Try to avoid heavy lifting . . Especially repetitive lifting over a long period of time * 7##

Common Causes of Back Injuries * 07/16/96 Common Causes of Back Injuries Twisting at the waist while lifting or holding a heavy load . . . this frequently happens when using a shovel. * 8##

Common Causes of Back Injuries * 07/16/96 Common Causes of Back Injuries Reaching and lifting . . . over your head, across a table, or out the back of a truck . . . . * 9##

Common Causes of Back Injuries * 07/16/96 Common Causes of Back Injuries Lifting or carrying objects with awkward or odd shapes . . . . * 10##

Common Causes of Back Injuries * 07/16/96 Common Causes of Back Injuries Working in awkward, uncomfortable positions . . . * 11##

Common Causes of Back Injuries * 07/16/96 Common Causes of Back Injuries Sitting or standing too long in one position . . . sitting can be very hard on the lower back . . . . * 12##

Common Causes of Back Injuries * 07/16/96 Common Causes of Back Injuries It is also possible to injure your back slipping on a wet floor or ice . . . * 13##

Prevent Back Injuries Avoid lifting and bending whenever you can. * 07/16/96 Prevent Back Injuries Avoid lifting and bending whenever you can. Place objects up off the floor. Raise/lower shelves. Use carts and dollies. Use cranes, hoists, lift tables, and other lift-assist devices whenever you can. Test the weight of an object before lifting by picking up a corner. Get help if it’s too heavy for you to lift it alone. * 14##

Spinal Health and Hygiene (There is much more to spinal health than just proper lifting) A healthy spine is not easily injured. How do you know if your spine is healthy or not? You are about to learn something most people will never know about the spine!

Normal Neck

Phase II Subluxation Degeneration

Cervical Curve – The Arc of Life . .

Which Spinal Cord Would You Want? This is a view looking down the spinal column from the skull. . . This spinal cord is inside a normal 45 degree cervical curve. This cord shows how pathological tension in a Phase I cervical spine can cause the cord to be compromised.

Phase III Subluxation Degeneration

You Can’t Feel Degeneration! What you feel are the effects of it after it gets bad.

Phase IV Subluxation Degeneration

Good Bad

Proper Reporting and Treatment It is very important for you to report every accident or injury you have on the job. It is very important to treat and correct spinal problems once they are present. How do we treat and correct spinal problems? Contact your health care professional

Spinal Hygiene vs. Dental Hygiene Early 1900’s – Dr. Alfred Fones, a dentist, was shocked at the number of people loosing their teeth due to cavities. He became convinced that the regular removal of plaque and other substances on the teeth could reduce or prevent tooth loss. Dr. Fones is now considered "The Founder of Dental Hygiene

Dental Hygiene vs. Spinal Hygiene 50% visit Dentist reg. 94% brush teeth reg. 20% lost teeth - age 75 almost 100% of them have dentures Chiropractic 2-7% visit Chiro. reg. >1% spinal exercises reg. 80% spinal deg. – age 75 You cannot get an artificial spine! Q: Why do we have healthy teeth, but degenerating spines? A: Because just like everything in life – What you take care of lasts longer (Car, House, Clothes, Yard, etc…).

Spinal Hygiene How do you keep your teeth healthy? Brush your teeth, floss regularly, checkups with a dentist regularly, etc… How do you keep your spine healthy? Daily spinal hygiene exercises, checkups with a chiropractor regularly. Prevention is the Key! A healthy spine is less likely to be injured Everyone should practice good spinal hygiene! (Contact your health care pro before starting any exercise program or therapy)

Find more exercises at www.HomeSpinalCare.com Spinal Range of Motion Stretches Find more exercises at www.HomeSpinalCare.com

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