Improper lifting most often causes which type of injuries?

• A. Knee
• B. Ankle
• C. Elbow
• D. Back

Answer: (D)

Improper lifting places the most stress on the spine because the mechanics of lifting push the load through the back when the hips and knees aren’t used to bear it. When you bend your waist to lift and keep the object away from your body, the spine carries the majority of the load and can twist or flex unnaturally. The legs and hips are designed to lift heavy objects, so using them properly—bending at the knees and hips, keeping the load close, and maintaining a neutral spine—transfers that work away from the back.

That’s why back injuries are the most common result of poor lifting technique: muscles, ligaments, and the spinal discs can strain, tear, or herniate under improper loads, especially with heavy items or repetitive lifts. While knee, ankle, or elbow injuries can occur in lifting under certain circumstances, they’re not the typical outcome of bad lifting technique in the same way back injuries are.

To prevent this, use proper form: squat to lift, keep the object close, maintain a straight back, engage your core, avoid twisting, and seek help or use a dolly or lift-assist when the load is heavy.