by Olivia O’ Leary D.C BSc Hons

TEAGASC URGES FARMERS “TO THINK BEFORE YOU LIFT”

Back pain and other joint injuries can keep farmers away from work for weeks at a time. Research conducted by Teagasc supported by the Health and Safety Authority and supervised by UCD revealed that every year almost 1 in 10  farmers suffer from problems such as back pain, hip and knee pain. Back pain was found to be the number one troublesome condition representing 31% of farmers surveyed.

LOST FARMING TIME

What was noticeable was these injuries were often quite severe with almost 4 in 10 farmers with these problems missing over 4 days of work in the previous year with nearly a quarter having missed more than 15 days in the year. The impact financially and in terms of stress is significant particularly at busy times of farming year.

Given the large numbers of farmers that Gorey Family Chiropractic treat, a specific Guide to Safe Practice on the Farm to Prevent Injury was created.

Additionally Teagasc are urging farmers to review their farming operations for work involving heavy lifting and to seek alternative methods of handling heavy loads.

From our Guide to Safe Practice on the Farm for Back Pain we have pulled some useful tips and information to help farmers prevent back pain and work safely on the farm.

HOW TO PREVENT FARM RELATED INJURY

Farmers  are commonly affected by muscle and ligament strains and sprains. Lifting objects that are too heavy, twisting and bending while carrying a load, sudden jolts, trips, falls or even bad posture over a period of time can injure soft tissue and joints causing back pain, hip pain and knee pain.

Prolonged sitting on machinery as well the impact force on joints jumping down from tractors can all also contribute to the development of back and joint problems.

In the 2012 Teagasc study “larger scale full time farms, particularly dairy farms, were found to have the highest risk of work related musculoskeletal problems”
General Tips for Preventing Back Injury on the Farm

Ways to reduce back pain and prevent injury include:
•    Warming up cold muscles thoroughly before engaging in any manual work. Ask your chiropractor or physiotherapist  for advice on safe stretching techniques to avoid further injury especially If you are regularly stiff or sore.
•    Organise your work area to reduce the amount of lifting, bending, twisting and stretching required.
•    Use mechanical aids or get help to lift and carry heavy loads whenever possible.
•    Lift and carry heavy loads correctly. Bend your knees rather than your back to pick up a load and lift with your thigh muscles. Keep the load close to your body. Avoid lifting whilst twisting.

•    Maintain correct posture. Slouching driving or having to look behind at machinery for prolonged periods is strenuous on muscles and joints and eventually causes tension and pain.  Stretching exercises can combat this as well as Chiropractic treatment including massage for those where exercises and rest do not help.
•    Take frequent breaks or break up repetitive tasks if possible i.e picking stones, shearing sheep.
•    Try to take exercise regularly to strengthen muscles and promote flexibility, ease stiffness.
•    Maintain a healthy body weight to reduce stress on joints and large joints like the hip and knees.

• If you are sitting for a long time (for example, as a contractor on tractors or machinery) you should try to get up to stretch and move periodically.

•    Be aware that mattresses that are too hard or too soft can contribute to back ache. Poorly designed or worn-out seating (in tractors or other large machinery) can also cause problems.
•    Climb down slowly from tractor cabins and other large machinery, rather than jumping, to avoid jolting impacts on your joints particularly your knees.
•    Wear appropriate footwear with support as well as protection to minimise stress on joints and the spine. This is especially important if standing for extended periods or on hard surfaces such as cement yards, milking parlours. Orthotics (shoe inserts) may be beneficial for support and improved alignment from the foot upwards.

LIFTING HEAVY LOADS ON THE FARM

General suggestions for lifting heavy loads include:
•    Whenever possible, use wheelbarrows, trolleys, quads and other equipment to move heavy loads.
•    Ask someone for help if you must move a heavy load by hand.
•    Wear a supportive back brace as a temporary measure if your back is painful and you must lift. Make sure however to get the cause of the pain investigated and treated and do not rely on your belt as a prop.
•    Make sure teenagers and children lift correctly and do not lift loads excessive for their size to prevent potential lifelong injury.

HANDLING ANIMALS ON THE FARM

Lifting animals like pigs, calves or sheep commonly causes back injuries. Be cautious of grappling with stock particularly at activities like dosing cattle wherever possible. If you must lift or carry a heavy animal, use mechanical lifting aids or get help if you can. If possible, change the design of your workplace to minimise the need to lift, for example, install drafting and drop gates in yards, and hoists on the back of your vehicles.

If you have to lift the animal alone:
•    Face the animal away from you.
•    Sit it back on its haunches.
•    Squat down behind the animal.
•    Take hold of its back legs.
•    Tip the animal back against your body.
•    Make sure the animal can’t turn its head and face you.
•    Keeping your back straight, lift with your thigh muscles.
•    Work from the same side of the fence as the animal, rather than attempting to drag it over from the other side.

Suffering from Farm related Back Pain, Hip Pain or Knee Pain? Obtain Professional Help Today

With two out of three of our Chiropractors from a farming background, we personally recognise and understand the hazardous and physically demanding nature of daily farming. Our team is highly experienced in the diagnosis, treatment and management and prevention of injuries sustained from farming whether it might be back pain and sciatica or hip pain and knee pain amongst others. We have on site X ray facilities and can rapidly refer directly for MRI if neccessary. Our goal is to get you back working to your full ability whether you are farming or contracting.

Our practice is registered with Aviva, VHI, Laya etc and you may claim tax relief on our services making necessary treatment more affordable than ever.

Should you wish to make an enquiry call 053 94 83338 or email info@chiropractor.ie