Question
Hello,

I am a server/busser at a high traffic restaurant where I must carry large trays full of heavy plates that can weigh upwards of 65lb up and down staircases with one arm, possibly with little support from the other, over one shoulder. I have heard horror stories of servers getting some sort of permanent damage done after years of serving and while I love my job, my biggest fear is reaping some sort of damage similar to those that have done my job before. I love my job because I feel like I am working out or lifting weights and getting stronger, but I realize that even weight lifters can do serious damage to themselves in the future if they lift weights in a bad posture.

Is there any way for me to lift these heavy trays over my shoulders in the expected manner without doing damage to myself? I have read that there is a risk of the wrist being overextended and while I do carry the tray in my palm, my wrist does not completely extend in a way where if you place your hands in a pushing position ahead of you and pulled your fingers back completely. My wrist extends to the point where it would if one were to do a hand stand with support of the fingers as well since I also use my fingers to prop up the tray.

I love my job and regularly lift huge heavy trays and even practice all the time at home to get stronger because my biggest nightmare is dropping and breaking dishes in front of customers, coworkers and managers. However, my second biggest nightmare is damaging my body irreparably in the future. I feel like I'm getting so much stronger and more competent and I feel like I am being "paid" to exercise and lift weights, but I realize that lifting weights in the gym can be a disaster if done incorrectly.

I also wanted to note that I am not a stiff immobile person. I regularly run, lift weights(squat, shoulder press, hand stand push ups, etc.), yoga, and play piano and guitar as well as consistently stretch my hands, back, ribs and whole body in addition to my job.

Thank you so much for your time.

Answer
Andrew,

It is great that you enjoy your work so much.  

The truth is that any job has its physical draw-backs.  Sure, carrying and lifting heavy trays over your head places quite a bit of stress on your neck and upper back, shoulders, elbows, and wrists.  One of the main problems is that typically a person in such a job will carry the trays always on one side of the body. This can create muscle asymetry that can lead to more pain. Practice and work carrying trays in both hands.

When you lift, make sure that you use your legs and not your back. Get under the weight.

Yes, working with the wrist in full extension and under heavy weight is a position that is not optimal, and it can lead to wrist problems.  There is really no way to get around this other than to learn to carry the trays on finger tips... but then you place a lot of pressure on the fingers, causing the finger joints damage.

Most of the time, a job like this one is not a long term job.  It is a job that gets you through to your next one.  You should anticipate the need to move on to another job because this job is so physically demanding.  

Every job has its health draw-backs.  Be careful in your technique, lift with your knees, switch sides, Use a cart if possible, Use the budy system in lifting.  Your employer doesn't want you to get hurt on the job either. Ask your supervisor/manager for safety tips.  An injured worker is very very expensive to an employer.

I hope that my thoughts give you some ideas that are helpful.  Good luck and be careful

Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com
http://www.arowheadhealth.com