If you have a large house full of goods and belongings that need to be relocated relatively quickly, then it is wise to rely on professionals to complete the move in a timely manner. However, if you have some time on your hands, then you can start moving some of your items before the big move day. If you intend on moving some large pieces of furniture, then you may end up hurting your back, especially if you have arthritis. If you have arthritis and are motivated to move heavy furniture, then keep reading to learn how you can do this without hurting your back.

Buy The Right Back Brace

If you have ever spoken to your doctor about your back pain and moving objects, then you may have been informed to use your legs to lift. You have probably heard this before, but you likely think that this is due to the strength of your legs. The legs are strong and able to withstand stress from the entire weight of your body along with all of the weight you hold by your body. However, the strength is not what helps to reduce back stress. The act of bending your knees and lifting with the legs helps to keep the lower lumbar part of the back and the hips from being overstretched and acting as the joints that retain the entire weight of the body. By simply bending the knees and lifting with the legs, you distribute a great deal of the lifting stress to the legs. 

While the right lifting actions help to eliminate some of the stress on your back, they do not get rid of all the pressure. The excessive weight from lifting will place some stress on the back and hips because the muscles are still used when you lift. To reduce strain, you should support the back by buying a back brace. The one that you should purchase is a brace meant for individuals with arthritis. These braces will have metal stays across the back that restrict spinal movement to reduce overstretching concerns. The brace will also have elastic that stretches along the hips to keep them stable and supported as well. A typical brace will have velcro that closes the brace across the front of the abdomen. 

Ask your doctor about arthritic braces to help you with moving or look for one labeled specifically for people with weak or arthritic backs at your local moving supply or home store. 

Stretch First

If your arthritis has caused your lower back to feel painful, then it is very likely that the cartilage around the vertebrae and spinal disks have started to break down. It is also possible that small bony structure called bone spurs have formed. These things can cause pressure on the nerves and significant pain. The pain often worsens as your body responds to the degradation and nerve pressure with inflammation. Typically, the muscles will become inflamed around the spine when this happens.

The muscles are the tissues that support your back, but they can become quite tense when they swell. The stiff muscles can then tear or force the spinal vertebra out of position if you start moving heavy furniture without first preparing your muscles. This is likely to result in an injury. To reduce injury problems and to make sure your back is more than ready to start moving furniture, complete some gentle stretches beforehand.

Start your stretches by lying on the floor. Cross your right leg over your left, bend both your knees, and bring them up towards your chest. Your right knee should be sitting just in front of your left knee in this position. Bring your hands together and lace your fingers. Place your cupped hands behind your left knee and gently pull your knees towards your chest. You will feel your muscles pulling along the lower left part of your back. Pull about 5 to 10 times when completing the stretch and then switch the position of your legs. Complete the exercises again.

Slow leg lifts while lying on your back, lunges, and toe grabs while standing are good stretches to complete as well. When your lower back and hips no longer feel tight, you can start moving furniture. You can click here for info.