Home
Health Encyclopedia
Print
Search Clinical Content Search Patient Health Library
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings

Back Safety: Pushing and Pulling

Pushing can be hard on your back. Pulling can be even harder. So, push rather than pull when you can. Follow the tips on this sheet to help protect your back.

Pushing a light object

  • Bend your knees slightly. Keep your ears, shoulders, and hips in line.

  • Tighten your stomach muscles.

  • Lean in slightly toward the object you’re pushing.

  • Use your legs and the weight of your body to move the object.

  • Take small steps.

Woman pushing on door.

Pushing a heavy object

  • Tighten your stomach muscles.

  • Bend your knees.

  • Lean in toward the object you’re pushing. The heavier the object, the more you should lean.

  • Try not to hunch your back. Keep it straight.

  • Use your legs and the weight of your body to move the object.

  • Take small steps.

Man pushing heavy cart.

Pulling

  • Face the object you’re pulling.

  • Tighten your stomach muscles.

  • Keep your knees slightly bent.

  • Step backward and pull the object with you.

  • Don’t twist your body. If you’re using one hand, putting the other hand on your hip can help keep you from twisting.

  • When pulling heavy objects, lean back, and bend at the knees and hips. Keep your arms straight. Let your body weight pull the load.

Woman pulling vacuum cleaner towards herself.

Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Thomas N Joseph MD
Date Last Reviewed: 8/1/2022
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Powered by Krames by WebMD Ignite
Copyright © The StayWell Company, LLC. except where otherwise noted.

These resources and their content are provided by a third party for informational purposes and do not necessarily reflect the values and positions of Ascension, its ministries, or its subsidiaries.

About StayWell | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer

The Services may integrate with Third-Party Apps or contain third-party content or provide links to third-party websites. For example, the Services may integrate with Third-Party App providers to provide you with information. You authorize Ascension to transmit information about You to and receive information about You from applicable third parties.
You agree that Ascension is not responsible for Third-Party Apps, third-party content or third-party websites, and does not make any endorsements, representations or warranties regarding the same. Your use thereof is at Your own risk and subject to the third party’s terms and conditions, as applicable. By using a Third-Party App or third-party content or websites, You agree to the applicable third party’s terms and conditions, even if Ascension does not present them to You at the time of Your use.