How to Save Your Back When Gardening
By Sara Butler
Spring is just around the corner, which means it's time to get back in the garden! Do yourself a favor, though. This year make a promise to yourself that you'll make your garden beautiful without hurting your back in the process. Working in the garden improperly puts your back at risk for injury, so put a few of these back-saving tips into action this spring and watch your garden and your spinal health bloom!
Start Now
No, the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic don't mean to start gardening now. What they do mean is to start conditioning your body. Most people reduce the amount of exercise they get in the winter just because they're not outside as much. Don't make that mistake. Get out as the days start to warm up and the weather improves and whip your body into shape. That way, your back will be ready when it's time to get your hands dirty in the garden -- or readier than it is right now!
Take Breaks
The chiropractors at The Joint tell their patients to take frequent breaks no matter the activity they're participating in. You may not view gardening in the same way you view sports but you should. It's a physical activity that your body needs regular breaks while performing. So, take a load off at least once an hour.
Vary Tasks
Your muscles can get confused if you try to do too much at once and overwork all your muscle groups. That's why you should vary the tasks you do in the garden each day, doing an activity that requires squats one day, digging another day, or bending on other days. Doing them all at the same time or in the same gardening session can open you up to injury.
Get Some Help
When you see a neighbor kid offering to pull weeds or mow the lawn for a few extra bucks this summer, take them up on it! Hiring out services is a great way to get a little help in achieving the look you want for your garden while taking some of the pressure off your own back (literally and figuratively) to get it done.
Don't let this spring's gardening season put your back in danger of injury. Make sure you're ready for it and let it fall into place, making sure to visit the chiropractors at The Joint at regular intervals along the way!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Durham, N.C.