COMMON MOVE-RELATED INJURIES AND THEIR PREVENTION MEASURES

During the moving process, people rush to complete various tasks before the big day arrives. In this hurry, you are exposed to different injuries if you are not cautious. Here are some of the most common move-related injuries noted by local moving companies Toronto and the measure you can take to prevent them.

Back injuries

When lifting bulky items while moving, such as furniture, a lot of strain is put on your back. This may result in various back injuries such as strains, pinched nerves, or herniated discs. If the strain is serious, you could end up with serious spinal fractures. These injuries will cause discomfort and some a lot of pain, restraining mobility and need medical attention.

Some of the prevention measures include:

  • Understanding just how much you can comfortably lift
  • Using the correct equipment when doing heavy lifting
  • Using correct methods of lifting. Always lift using your legs instead of your back. The legs should always act as your pivot.
  • Ask for help from family and pals
  • Rent the services of expert movers

Limb injuries

Injuries incurred on limbs are the most commonly recorded types of move-related injuries. The injuries can be as minor as a mere scrape, to a serious occurrence like a broken finger, arm, or leg. All this can be avoided if you:

  • Wear closed shoes to keep your feet safe. Pick a pair that has quality soles that will prevent slipping.
  • Avoid any loose attires or ornaments that may get stuck and result in an accident
  • Have thick safety gloves that will protect your hands and fingers as well as contribute to better grip
  • Handle everything slowly. If there is an article that needs more than one person to carry, communicate with your pals and move at the same pace
  • If the task proves too much to take on alone, contact the experts to help you out

Hernias of the groin

Hernias are generally the most widespread injuries that are move-related due to the bulky lifting involved. Hernias of the groin occur when the guts slip through a tear in the lower abdominal wall. If a hernia is severe, surgical attention may be needed to set the issue straight. The best prevention for these injuries include:

  • Steer clear of bulky lifting especially on your own. Understand your limits and do not go overboard
  • If you’ll be doing a lot of lifting, consider getting a support belt to anchor your back and reduce the strain on your lower abdomen
  • Ensure you lift bulky belongings using the correct equipment. One fine tool to have is a dolly.
  • Have family and pals help out with the relocation
  • Consider hiring a skilled relocating crew to keep you out of harm’s way during the entire process

Injuries to muscles

A relocation comes with a lot of running up and down. Your body may not be used to such strain including a lot of pushing, pulling, lifting, and many other things. Such activities will make your body more exposed to injury than usual, and it will take its toll on your muscles.

Muscles injuries can occur in different kinds. During normal tasks, the strain that is put on your muscles only works to make them stronger and bigger. This will occur when you work with items that are within the bulk range that you can comfortably lift since the tears that occur are only minor.

However, if this limit is tested, the tears get more serious. They can be classified into three that is:

  • Muscle strains. They can either be mild, medium, or severe.
  • Muscle contusion. This is when the injury extends beyond the muscles and damages the surrounding blood capillaries. The injury results from trauma to the muscle.
  • Muscle cramp. These cramps can cause extreme discomfort once the activity of relocation is done. The areas that are prone to these cramps are thighs, arches of the feet, and calves.

Some of the best prevention measures include:

  • Be aware that muscle injuries, especially cramps, are bound to happen at the end of relocation day
  • Before you can begin any strenuous work, perform some stretches and warm up routines. This exercises will prepare your muscles for the work that is ahead of them by relaxing them and ensuring maximum supply of blood to all areas
  • Drink a lot of water to avoid getting dehydrated
  • Take regular breaks from all the lifting and shifting
  • Use suitable tools wherever they are required.
  • Avoid doing all the heavy lifting by yourself. Get some help from your pals or family members
  • Consider renting the services of a skilled relocating crew. This is the best option to consider since it will keep you out of harm’s way and will cost less than having to deal with injury fixing costs