How to Avoid Backache From Pulling a Luggage Cart

Luggage carts can be very heavy, and pulling them through an airport or even across a parking lot can be strenuous on your back, especially if you already suffer from back problems. If your job duties require you to pull a luggage cart, you need to know how to avoid backache. However, even if you only need to pull a luggage cart through a hotel during your family's vacation, you still need to know how to protect yourself.

Instructions

• 1

  Choose a luggage cart with an appropriately sized handle height. The ideal handle height will be between your elbow and hip. This will prevent you from having to bend over while moving the luggage cart, which puts significant strain on your lower back.

• 2

  Be sure the luggage cart you use has well-maintained wheels that don't stick or swivel in the wrong direction. If the wheels are flawed, this will make it more difficult to move the cart, which in turn will cause you to put more effort into the motion. Using your back to compensate for this lack of motion is common and can cause serious injury.

• 3

  Check the area where you plan to move the luggage cart before pulling it. Uneven surfaces or debris can cause shifts in the cart, which may tweak your back as you move it.

• 4

  Take more than one trip. The heavier the load on the luggage cart, the more likely it is that your back will be injured. Heavy carts can be very tough on your back muscles. Plus, items may fall from a fully loaded cart. If you move quickly to try and catch the falling item, you may move your back awkwardly, which could cause an injury.