From Healthwise
Before focusing on the right way to lift, review the following common lifting mistakes that easily lead to a back injury:
- Allowing the back to curve forward while you grasp an object, then lifting by straightening the back
- Bending at the hips but keeping the legs straight while grasping and lifting
- Twisting the back while lifting or holding, usually by turning the shoulders, but not the hips
- Holding an object away from the body
- Lifting a heavy object (or child) above shoulder level
- Attempting to lift an object that's too heavy or awkward for one person to safely lift
- Underestimating the need to be careful when lifting a light object