Finally the weather is warming up and many people are getting ready to get their hands in the dirt to plant some seedlings, flowers and have some fun in their garden! Working outdoors in your garden and yard is a great form of physical activity, even better if it’s something you are passionate about. However every year people come into the practice because they have inevitably irritated their body or strained a muscle somehow! To protect your body and avoid injury, consider some of these tips when stepping out to get your garden started this season:
- While mowing the lawn, keep your head up and stand directly behind the mower so you can keep your hips and shoulders in line with your spine. Push the mower uphill rather than pulling. Always use both hands rather pushing or twisting with one.
- When working in the dirt, crouch down, sit on a stool, or squat instead of bending at the waist which can strain the joints in the low back.
- Bend your knees when lifting anything so that you can use the strength of your legs.
- Keep yard waste bags close to your body while lifting them.
- Hold a rake with one hand at shoulder height, one hand at waist level and walk or drag the pile.
Most importantly, vary your tasks and take breaks when necessary. Avoid staying in prolonged postures involving the lower back and neck.
Your best bet for protecting your back? Consider regular Chiropractic care! Waiting until symptoms appear before taking care of your body often can make the problems worse, ultimately causing them to take longer to heal. Chiropractors assess your posture and spinal joints to ensure they are moving properly and that your body is physically balanced. The results people experience from regular spinal care are profound, and the increases in their quality of life measurable….which allows you to keep playing in your garden or in any other hobby you enjoy!