Know the Ropes About Strains and Sprains - UHC Tools

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Take a load off your back.
When it comes to lifting heavy objects around the workplace, you can never ask for too much
help. In 2009, more than 190,000 back injuries occurred on the job in the U.S. 1 Some of
these injuries may have been prevented with the proper lifting techniques. Use these tips
to help you lift heavy objects and minimize back, shoulder, and neck problems in the future.
Six tips for lifting heavy objects. 2
Plan your lift first.
Is it too heavy? Can you push it? Have you cleared
a pathway to avoid any obstacles and avoid any
slippery surfaces? Is there anything else you can
do to make the lift easier?
Get help or equipment whenever possible.
Ask for help when you need it. If possible, always use
a dolly, forklift, cart, or other load-carrying device.
Bend at the knees and use your legs.
Your feet should be shoulder width apart. Place one
foot beside the object and the other foot behind the
object. Bend your knees, squat, and USE YOUR
LEGS to thrust upward and lift the load. Your legs are
much stronger than your back and they will support
your spine better.
Use a safe and secure grip.
Hold the load using the palms of your hands and
your fingers. Tuck in your chin to help keep your
back straight.
Keep the load close to your body.
Keep your back straight, tighten your stomach
muscles, and don’t raise any heavy objects up over
your head. Keeping the object tucked in close to
your body is ideal for carrying.
Lower the object slowly and carefully.
Bend your knees but don’t stoop down. Place the
object down and push it into position gently.
1 http://www.bls.gov/iif/
2 http://www.bnl.gov/esh/shsd/pdf/safe%20lifting%20and%20carrying%20techniques.pdf

Get the support you need.
If you do need to see a doctor for back pain, the UnitedHealth Premium program can help
you find the support you need. The program evaluates and recognizes doctors who meet
quality and cost-efficiency criteria.
Quality Care
Physicians who meet
the quality criteria receive
the quality designation,
or one star.
+ =
Cost-Efficient Care
Physicians who meet the
local benchmark criteria
for cost-efficiency receive
a second star.
UnitedHealth Premium
Two-Star Physicians
Physicians who meet both
the quality and cost-efficiency
criteria receive two stars, which
are displayed on myuhc.com®
and in other provider directories.
Looking for a specialist or a surgeon?
Find one who is right for you.
If your physician recommends that you see a
specialist—or if you need surgery—we can help you
find UnitedHealth Premium-designated orthopedic
and spine physicians and surgical spine facilities.
When evaluating orthopedic surgeons
and neurosurgeons, we consider:
• Use of conservative, non-operative care
prior to surgery
• Use of diagnostic testing prior to surgery
• Appropriate use of post-operative rehabilitation
• Complication rates
• Surgery repeat rates
Visit myuhc.com to find
a two-star physician.
The UnitedHealth Premium ® designation program is a resource for informational purposes only. Designations are displayed in UnitedHealthcare online physician
directories at myuhc.com. ® You should always consult myuhc.com for the most current information. Premium designations are a guide to choosing a
physician and may be used as one of many factors you consider when choosing the physicians from whom you receive care. If you already
have a physician, you may also wish to confer with him or her for advice on selecting other physicians. Physician evaluations have a risk
of error and should not be the sole basis for selecting a physician. Please see myuhc.com for detailed program information and methodologies.
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