The garden can be a dangerous place! Many of my patients are coming in with tight and sore backs after long weekends gardening in their yards.
Here are some tips to help reduce strain on your back and body while gardening:
1. Change tasks regularly. Switch between heavy and light tasks so that you don't overdo it on one physically demanding task.
2. Kneel when weeding or planting. Being bent over for long periods of time increases the stress on your neck, back, and leg muscles.
3. When raking, stand with one leg out in front of the other. Then switch legs and hands every few minutes. This will help balance the stresses on your back.
4. Pace yourself. Take a minimum of three brief breaks per hour. Stand up, stretch, have a drink of water, then continue.
Try to adhere to these recommendations and you will be doing the best you can to keep your body safe this summer. If you still manage to overdo it, contact your chiropractor right away. The sooner you get in the sooner you can be feeling better!
Jacob W Harris, D.C.
Find Relief. Find Chiropractic
360-755-3042
Here are some tips to help reduce strain on your back and body while gardening:
1. Change tasks regularly. Switch between heavy and light tasks so that you don't overdo it on one physically demanding task.
2. Kneel when weeding or planting. Being bent over for long periods of time increases the stress on your neck, back, and leg muscles.
3. When raking, stand with one leg out in front of the other. Then switch legs and hands every few minutes. This will help balance the stresses on your back.
4. Pace yourself. Take a minimum of three brief breaks per hour. Stand up, stretch, have a drink of water, then continue.
Try to adhere to these recommendations and you will be doing the best you can to keep your body safe this summer. If you still manage to overdo it, contact your chiropractor right away. The sooner you get in the sooner you can be feeling better!
Jacob W Harris, D.C.
Find Relief. Find Chiropractic
360-755-3042
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