It's Almost Fall: Raking Leaves Is Just Ahead
By Virginia Laird
With summer finally coming to an end, many look forward to the changing colors of nature and the cooler weather that fall brings. While some praise fall as the most beautiful time of the year, it doesn't come without woes. On major task accompanies autumn is raking the leaves. This can prove to be disastrous for your back.
Chiropractors say that many experience severe back pain and injury trying to get this chore complete. Rather than falling victim to your falling leaves, take the advice of chiropractors by trying a few of their suggested tips to help keep pain away. These include:
- Be sure to stretch before you work
- Take plenty of breaks
- Get help with the heavy lifting
Be Sure to Stretch Before You Work
There is reason to believe that stretching prior to taking on the job of raking the leaves can help prevent and manage back pain. Chiropractors say that stretching helps relieve tension from the body, especially the back. This tension can be the culprit to back pain, which at times can be severe. As you plan to head out to begin collecting the fall souvenirs that come from your trees, make sure you add stretches to your agenda to help avoid unnecessary pain.
Take Plenty of Breaks
Another tip chiropractors encourage is to make time for breaks. Although you are likely to have the desire to get the job done as quickly as possible, it is best for your back to take breaks. These breaks can allow you to get off of your feet, move around freely, and add some stretches. All of these things can help release tension that builds as you work in the yard. Taking the time to manage your back pain can help prevent injury.
Get Help With the Heavy Lifting
While a few leaves do not weigh much, a bag full of them can be brutally heavy, especially if they're wet. Rather than trying to lift this load on your own, chiropractors insist that you ask for help. Sharing the load can help you avoid wreaking havoc on your back and causing injury. As you head out to tackle the chore of raking the leaves, make sure you enlist some help before you get started.
As you tackle your yard work, if you find that your back pain is simply too much for you to handle, it may be time to make routine chiropractic care part of your healthcare regimen. Chiropractors focus much of their care on the joints of the spine. With small adjustments, they are able to restore function and release restriction, both of which cause a great deal of pain. If you are ready to put chiropractic care to the test, consider making a visit to The Joint Chiropractic in your community. With more than 475 locations nationwide, you are sure to find one near you. And with no appointment necessary, adding this care to your healthcare regimen is as simple as you making the time to stop by.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Phoenix, Ariz.