Press Release: Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Taking the Aches Out of Traveling
Wednesday December 8, 3:46 pm ET
Orthopaedic Surgeons Provide Luggage Lifting and Carrying Recommendations ROSEMONT, Ill., Dec. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Everyone travels -- whether it is around the world, cross-country or to a neighboring town -- and loading the suitcase with everything one might need seems to be the norm. But these days, traveling can be a pain in the neck, literally. The heavier and larger the luggage, the more susceptible a traveler is to orthopaedic injuries, including the back, shoulder and neck. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons urges people to use good judgment when packing, lifting and carrying luggage to avoid injury.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were more than 51,800 luggage-related injuries treated at hospital emergency rooms, doctors' offices and clinics in 2003. Particularly after sitting for many hours in one position, injuries can include strains, pulls and tears while lifting luggage from baggage claim carousels, overhead or under-seat compartments, carrying a heavy suitcase for an extended period of time or lifting and holding a bag incorrectly.
"Lifting and carrying luggage that is too big or too heavy for a person's size and frame can put serious strains on their body," said James Weinstein, D.O., M.S., chair on the Council of Academic Affairs for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. "To minimize temporary or permanent damage to your neck, shoulders and back, it is important to bend at the knees, lift luggage with your leg muscles -- not your back and waist -- and avoid twisting and rotating your spine."
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers the following tips for lifting and carrying luggage:
-- When purchasing new luggage, look for a sturdy, light piece with wheels and a handle. -- Avoid purchasing luggage that is too heavy or bulky while empty. -- Pack lightly. When possible, pack items in a few smaller bags instead of one large luggage piece. -- When lifting luggage, stand along side of it, bend at your knees, not your waist, lift with your leg muscles, then grasp the handle and straighten up. Once you have lifted your luggage, hold it close to your body. -- Do not twist your body when lifting and carrying luggage. Instead, point your toes in the direction you are headed, and then turn your entire body in that direction. -- Do not rush when lifting or carrying a suitcase. If it is too heavy or an awkward shape, get help. -- Do not carry heavier pieces of luggage for long periods of time. If it is too heavy, make sure to check luggage when traveling rather than carrying it on a plane, train or bus. -- If using a backpack, make sure it has two padded and adjustable shoulder straps. Choose one with several compartments to secure various-sized items, packing the heavier things low and towards the center. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder does not allow weight to be distributed evenly, which can cause muscle strain. -- If needing to use a duffel or shoulder bag, do not carry it on one shoulder for any length of time. Be sure to switch sides often. -- Make sure to carry all rolling luggage up flights of stairs.
Internet users can find additional safety tips and injury prevention information in the Prevent Injuries America!® Program section of the Academy's web site, http://www.aaos.org or http://www.orthoinfo.org or call the Academy's Public Service line at 800-824-BONES.
An orthopaedic surgeon is a physician with extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of non-surgical as well as surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.
With more than 27,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ( http://www.aaos.org ) or ( http://www.orthoinfo.org ), is a not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons, allied health professionals and the public. An advocate for improved patient care, the Academy is participating in the Bone and Joint Decade ( http://www.usbjd.org ), the global initiative in the years 2002-2011 to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health to stimulate research and improve people's quality of life. President Bush has declared the years 2002-2011 National Bone and Joint Decade in support of these objectives.
Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
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