Understand your back - a healthy back has 3 natural cuves

• Cervical curve of the neck: supports the head
• Thoracic curve of the middle back: supported by the ribcage
• Lumbar curve of your lower back: balances the entire upper body(most susceptile to injury).                     

Ten Principles of Body Mechanics

1. Plan to maneuver - a) Assess the client's situation, b) Know your destination, c) Clear a path;
2. Always ask for help when available;
3. Position your feet apart at shoulder's width to give you a broad base support;
4. Keep the load to be lifted close to your body to avoid extended reaching. Bring height of object to waist level or lower your self to level of the client/resident;
5. Point feet in the direction that you are moving. Bend at your knees and hips. Do not bend or twist your back;
6. Straighten your legs to lift using your strongest muscles: leg and thigh;
7. Pivot your feet or change their position when turning. Do not bend or twist your back;
8. Push, pull, roll or slide an object instead of lifting. Use the weight of your body to move the load by shifting your weight from front of foot to rear of foot;
9. Always use assistive devices when advisable and available;
10. Make sure all surfaces are stable. Lock all wheels.