Saturday, 17 March 2012

The Importance of Proper Body Mechanics

  Body mechanics is a term used to describe the ways we move as we go about our daily lives. It includes how we hold our bodies when we sit, stand, lift, carry, bend, and sleep. Poor body mechanics are often the cause of back problems. Below are other importance of proper body mechanics:


  • Having your body in the right position helps protect your back and allows you to use your body in a safe way. Your spine goes through the midline of your back, giving your back stability and controlling it's movement. Your spine is made up of:

    • Thirty-three bones called vertebrae. These bones are stacked on top of each other in a line. The line goes from the base of your skull to your rear-end.
    • Shock absorbers called disks. Disks lie between the vertebrae, and cushion and protect the vertebrae. They also allow some movement of the spine.
    • Spinal cord and nerves. The spinal cord sends messages from your brain to your body. The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae, and is surrounded by spinal fluid.
    • Small joints. Joints allow movement and help to stabilize your body.
    • Muscles and ligaments. Ligaments support and strengthen joints. Muscles and ligaments provide strength and power, support and stability.
  • Injury to the spine may cause problems such as a loss of feeling, movement, and strength. There may also be problems with the organs in your body, and a loss of normal body functions. These functions may include going to the bathroom, swallowing, or breathing. Good body mechanics are important because they will help protect your spine and other parts of your body from injury.
  • When caring for a person who is recovering from an illness it is important to use good body mechanics. You may need this when helping a person get in and out of bed, into a chair, walk, or just move around the house. You may also need to push a person in a wheel chair or move the person in bed.            

The use of proper body mechanics is also essential in order to avoid the following :

  • Excessive fatigue
  •  Muscle strains or tears
  • Skeletal injuries
  • Injury to the patient
  • Injury to assisting staff member 

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