Many patients ask about their back hurting after picking up a small object like a paperclip. When the back is tilted or curved unnaturally, there is stretch and strain experienced in the spinal joints and associated muscles. This muscular strain is reflected in pain; the patient feels his back goes out just after picking up a paperclip. A chiropractor explains a wrong bend or an unnatural curve of the spinal cord to be the cause of severe pain in the back when the patient tries to pick up a paperclip.
How did Picking up a Paperclip cause my Back Pain?
When the patient forces their back in an unnatural bend or curve, just as in picking up an object like a paperclip from the floor, a strain occurs in the spinal cord’s associated muscles; this stretch of muscles leads to strain and, at times, ligament injury. Hence, it leads to pain and discomfort in the associated area. If this exercise of wrong bending of the spinal cord is continued for a long duration and high frequency per day, it may lead to persistent pain after permanent damage to muscles and ligaments in the area. Therefore, following proper bending techniques and relaxing the spinal muscles is essential to avoid any pain and discomfort.
Proper Lifting Techniques
One should always start in a safe position. One should always use their leg rather than the back to lift something. The feet should be kept in a squat position with shoulder-width apart. After that, the stomach muscles must be tightened while lifting the object. The thing to be lifted should be kept as close to the body as possible. And finally, avoid twisting the body in any unwanted position; instead, turn the whole body in the desired direction. The object should be lifted with utmost care of the body position.
Conclusion:
Picking up small objects like paper clips may seem harmless but lead to undesirable pain and discomfort if lifted with incorrect body procedure. Always use your legs and not the support from your spinal cord while lifting the objects. The back should always be kept upright while sitting, standing, or bending postures. The small lifestyle changes will help prevent the discomfort and pain one would have experienced in the backbone.
