Chiropractic Care for Baggage Handlers
By Paul Rothbart
Developed in the 20th century, air travel has become a safe, fast, and convenient way to travel long distances. Rather than spend long hours at the wheel, you can relax in a comfy seat, have a meal, and maybe a drink, while the flight crew does the driving. Of course, planes transport more than just people. Luggage generally accompanies passengers and not all of it goes in the overhead compartments. Much of the baggage, especially the heaviest pieces, are loaded into the cargo area of the aircraft. This job is performed by baggage handlers and is difficult physical labor that can result in strain and injury. Chiropractic care can be helpful to this occupation.
Body Strain
Although airlines have weight limits, customers frequently go over them, and the cumulative effect of handling hundreds of bags a shift can place quite a strain on the body. The back usually takes the brunt of the stress, but the neck and joints get their share too. In addition to being heavy, baggage is not always a balanced load. This can put handlers in awkward positions when lifting and cause excess strain. Bending and stretching are two activities constantly performed on this job and they can also stress the body.
Common Injuries
Despite safety precautions, injuries do occur. Compressions in the vertebrae and subluxations can easily happen when loading and unloading heavy suitcases and other luggage. Subluxations can also occur in the knees, elbows, shoulders, and other joints. Climbing up into cargo holds a risk for sprained ankles and knees. Falls are also possible and they can cause many types of injury.
Chiropractic Care
With their training and skills, chiropractors are qualified to handle the strain and injuries experienced by baggage handlers. A chiropractor can perform an exam to locate compressions or subluxations and adjust them, whether in the spine or joints. This can relieve pain and help restore full range of motion to the afflicted part. Chiropractors treat the body as a whole and can help all of its parts to function properly together making physical labor a bit easier. Chiropractors can also offer advice on stretching, exercise, and lifting techniques.
Baggage handlers have an important and difficult job. With the strain placed on the body, pain can be common. If you work in this field, consider a visit to The Joint Chiropractic. You don't need an appointment and may find that seeing a chiropractor regularly keeps pain in check and helps you get the bags to the same destination as their owners.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Columbus, Ohio