title: Occupational biomechanics and low-back pain.
abstract: The basic principles of biomechanics are introduced and explained as they relate to the field of ergonomics, especially regarding the lumbar spine. The discussion is organized into the following sections: biomechanics--an overview, spinal structures and loading, biomechanical basis for low-back pain, compressive strength of the lumbar spinal column, biomechanical models, intra-abdominal pressure, lifting technique, and practical applications. The conclusion lists nine guidelines for understanding the internal stresses placed on the lower back by lifting and thereby for avoiding low-back injuries in the workplace.
authors.affiliation: Industrial and Systems Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53201.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Garg
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000503:physiopathology; D008954:Models, Biological; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005082:Physical Exertion