Back Pain Expert Nick Clark: Leaf Pick Up Without Pain!

Hey Becca,
Any repetitive bending and rotation can put excessive stress on the lower back when done incorrectly. The optimal way to bend and rotate is to bend your knees and pretend like you are taking a bow WITHOUT rounding at the lower back.
What does rounding at the lower back mean? If I were to look at you from the side you SHOULD resemble a lamp that has a center hinge point. You should not resemble a piece of plastic or rubber that can be bent at any point.
This ensures that you will bend from your hips which are much better equipped than the lower back to get the job done. Secondly, this will allow you to use your glute muscles which are the powerhouse of the body. If you don't use the glutes, you will be using the spinal erector muscles which run from your tailbone up to your neck. These muscles are not designed to pull you up from a bent position. Especially if done repetitively under load, even if it's just a bag of leaves.
Most people have experienced “my back is out feeling” which can be completely debilitating. This comes from repetitively bending at the spine and not at the hips. This is actually your body attempting to protect you. You cannot and should not hide this form of protection with NSAID's and muscle relaxants.
For more simple and actionable steps visit our website at movementmattersny.org and download the free guide “3 Keys To Living Without Limitation” or call 1-845-283-0274 to schedule a FREE 60-minute consultation.