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CCS1020 Back Care Basics

Introductory · 1 credit · HRH - Health, Recreation, and Human Services

Description
Students examine the structure and function of the spinal column and back, causes and treatments of back injuries and preventative measures for back care. Students demonstrate safe lifting practices and explore basic occupational health and safety practices for maintaining a healthy back.
Prerequisite
None
Supporting courses
CCS2040: Integrative Health HCS1050: Musculoskeletal System HCS2120: Pain & Pain Management HCS2130: Chronic Conditions HSS1010: Health Services Foundations

Outcomes The student will:

  • 1 explain the structure and function of the spinal column and back

    • 1.1 define common terms related to the spinal column and spinal care

    • 1.2 name and locate the regions of the spine on a model and on an individual

    • 1.3 describe the functions of the spinal column, including the specific functions of each region of the spine

    • 1.4 diagram the spine, including:

      • 1.4.1 correct number of vertebrae

      • 1.4.2 regions of the spine

      • 1.4.3 proper curvature

      • 1.4.4 location of the spinal cord

      • 1.4.5 arrangement of intervertebral disks

      • 1.4.6 facets

      • 1.4.7 neural foramina

      • 1.4.8 sciatic nerve

    • 1.5 diagram a single motion segment (two vertebrae and accompanying soft tissue)

    • 1.6 diagram improper curvatures of the spine, including:

      • 1.6.1 lordosis

      • 1.6.2 kyphosis

      • 1.6.3 scoliosis

    • 1.7 explain the structure and function of intervertebral disks

    • 1.8 locate, on a diagram, the groups of muscles that support the spine, including:

      • 1.8.1 extensors

      • 1.8.2 flexors

      • 1.8.3 obliques

    • 1.9 explain the role of muscles that support the spinal column, including:

      • 1.9.1 extensors; e.g., the erector spinae and gluteal muscles

      • 1.9.2 flexors

      • 1.9.3 obliques

  • 2 evaluate factors that contribute to the promotion and maintenance of a strong back

    • 2.1 summarize the effect of a healthy back on achieving and maintaining wellness

    • 2.2 summarize the effects of aging on the structure and function of the spine and back

    • 2.3 explain how stretching and proper warm-up exercises can prevent back injuries

    • 2.4 demonstrate a variety of effective stretching exercises and warm-up activities to promote a strong back and prevent injuries

    • 2.5 demonstrate a variety of abdominal strengthening exercises to promote a strong back and prevent injuries

    • 2.6 demonstrate effective postures for back health, including postures while:

      • 2.6.1 standing

      • 2.6.2 sitting

      • 2.6.3 sleeping

      • 2.6.4 lifting and carrying

    • 2.7 predict the effect of lifestyle choices on maintaining a healthy back, including choices related to:

      • 2.7.1 active living and exercise

      • 2.7.2 nutrition and weight management

      • 2.7.3 risk management and safety; e.g., wearing seat belts

      • 2.7.4 stress management

    • 2.8 analyze personal risks related to back care

    • 2.9 create a plan to improve personal short-term and long-term back health

  • 3 explain basic causes and treatments of back injuries

    • 3.1 describe signs and symptoms of minor back injuries, including pain type, location and intensity as indicators of injury

    • 3.2 differentiate between a repetitive and a weight-bearing motion related to the back using examples to illustrate differences

    • 3.3 differentiate between overexertion injuries and overuse injuries using examples

    • 3.4 describe causes and the level of severity of common back injuries, including:

      • 3.4.1 lumbar injuries

      • 3.4.2 cervical injuries

      • 3.4.3 thoracic injuries

      • 3.4.4 herniated disks

    • 3.5 analyze causes of common back injuries related to activities in a variety of occupations, including:

      • 3.5.1 community care occupations; e.g., child care, support for individuals with disability

      • 3.5.2 health care occupations; e.g., nursing aides

      • 3.5.3 recreation and fitness leaders

      • 3.5.4 athletes; e.g., elite and recreational levels of athletics

      • 3.5.5 office workers

    • 3.6 list common myths about back pain

    • 3.7 describe integrative and medical health treatments currently available for back injuries and pain, including:

      • 3.7.1 chiropractic care

      • 3.7.2 acupuncture

      • 3.7.3 massage therapy

      • 3.7.4 active release therapy

      • 3.7.5 physiotherapy and athletic therapy

      • 3.7.6 anti-inflammatory and pain medications

      • 3.7.7 application of heat and cold

    • 3.8 summarize the probable social, emotional and economic impact of back injuries on the individual, family, peers and the community

  • 4 describe basic occupational health and safety considerations related to back care

    • 4.1 identify the incidence and prevalence of back injuries in Alberta

    • 4.2 estimate the costs related to back injury, including:

      • 4.2.1 costs of direct treatment

      • 4.2.2 costs related to lost productivity

    • 4.3 summarize recent evidence-based research related to the use of back belts

    • 4.4 summarize, through examples, basic strategies for employers to implement to reduce back injuries, including:

      • 4.4.1 reducing unnecessary heavy loads

      • 4.4.2 providing safe lifting equipment, where appropriate

      • 4.4.3 rotating workers among tasks that do not require lifting

      • 4.4.4 performing ergonomic assessments of work areas

    • 4.5 analyze factors that contribute to back injury in the workplace, such as the:

      • 4.5.1 distance the load is carried

      • 4.5.2 distance the load is held away from the body

      • 4.5.3 starting and finishing height

      • 4.5.4 size, shape and texture of load

      • 4.5.5 physical characteristics of person carrying load

    • 4.6 summarize responsibilities of employees related to back care, including:

      • 4.6.1 reporting symptoms early

      • 4.6.2 following proper lifting procedures and policies

    • 4.7 summarize considerations for returning to work following a back injury

  • 5 demonstrate strategies for proper lifting and preventative back care

    • 5.1 define terms related to prevention of back injuries, including:

      • 5.1.1 awkward body positions

      • 5.1.2 forceful exertions

      • 5.1.3 repetitive movements

    • 5.2 outline, using examples, awkward body positions related to back injuries, including positions related to the:

      • 5.2.1 shoulders

      • 5.2.2 neck

      • 5.2.3 back

      • 5.2.4 knees

    • 5.3 differentiate between the effect of lifting and lowering versus pulling and pushing a load

    • 5.4 explain the possible risks of a shifting load and an elevated load, including safe and effective use of legs and arms

    • 5.5 select a proper load (weight and size) relative to personal physical capability

    • 5.6 demonstrate safe and effective lifting practices, including:

      • 5.6.1 wearing appropriate footwear

      • 5.6.2 making a lifting plan

      • 5.6.3 stretching prior to lifting

      • 5.6.4 keeping load close to the body

      • 5.6.5 bending knees

      • 5.6.6 contracting abdominal muscles for stability

      • 5.6.7 positioning head

      • 5.6.8 avoiding unnecessary twisting and turning

      • 5.6.9 lifting in a smooth, controlled manner

      • 5.6.10 keeping the back straight while lifting

      • 5.6.11 taking small, careful steps

      • 5.6.12 alerting others that a load is moving

      • 5.6.13 setting load down carefully; e.g., avoid trapping fingers

    • 5.7 demonstrate safe and effective lifting practices as a team, with other individuals, by:

      • 5.7.1 designating a leader to give instructions during the lift

      • 5.7.2 timing the lift in order to work together

      • 5.7.3 keeping the load level

  • 6 demonstrate basic competencies

    • 6.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:

      • 6.1.1 communicate

      • 6.1.2 manage information

      • 6.1.3 use numbers

      • 6.1.4 think and solve problems

    • 6.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:

      • 6.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours

      • 6.2.2 be responsible

      • 6.2.3 be adaptable

      • 6.2.4 learn continuously

      • 6.2.5 work safely

    • 6.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:

      • 6.3.1 work with others

      • 6.3.2 participate in projects and tasks

  • 7 make personal connections to the cluster content and processes to inform possible pathway choices

    • 7.1 complete/update a personal inventory; e.g., interests, values, beliefs, resources, prior learning and experiences

    • 7.2 create a connection between a personal inventory and occupational choices

Program of Studies 2010. Source document, © Alberta Education.