Chiropractic Gardening Tips to Follow This Spring

By Brandi Swieter

Gardening often starts in March once the weather begins getting warmer and spring is officially under way. Many people simply grab their gloves and gardening gear and head right outside to start tackling the work. Although this may seem like a great idea, it is actually far better to apply the brakes and tackle the tasks slowly with a few tips in mind for safer gardening. A chiropractor offers helpful advice on what to do to keep the pain away while enjoying this springtime activity.

Stretch Before Starting

Various muscles get worked when gardening. The arms reach, rake, and pull. The back extends, hunches, leans, and twists. Many areas get in a good workout while performing even the most basic gardening duties. Because the body moves so much, it is important to stretch thoroughly before starting the work so that it has adequate time to prepare for the duties ahead. It’s a simple way to prevent exhaustion and injuries.

Use a Wheelbarrow

Wheelbarrows are commonly used gardening tools for a reason. They allow people to place their items inside to be transported easily to various destinations around the yard. Rather than picking up and carrying a large bag of dirt, for example, gardeners should place the bag in the wheelbarrow and push it over to the garden area to avoid hurting the back.

Choose the Right Size Tools

Rakes, shovels, and other items with handles need to be the right size for the person using them. Not everyone can use the same gardening tools, as some have shorter or longer handles than others. Those who are too tall may struggle with back problems if they have to continuously hunch over to reach the handle to use the tool as intended. Pick one that sits at the appropriate height and does not cause excessive bending or hunching.

Stretch After Finishing

Stretching after activity is just as important as stretching before it. All gardeners should end their activities with a cool-down period that involves stretching out the arms, legs, and back, in particular. It is best to start with some simple breathing to help relax the body some before beginning the process. You will most likely feel a lot of tension after a few hours in the garden with all the work that’s been accomplished.

Not everyone will get to enjoy a pain-free gardening experience. Even with these tips in mind, people may still experience some back pain or mild neck and shoulder aches. Visiting a chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic to ease pain is recommended.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Salem, N.H.

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