Don't Let Pain Mow You Down
By Stephen R. Farris
If you're a homeowner or renter, there's nothing more satisfying than a freshly cut, manicured lawn. The grass is evenly cut, sidewalks neatly edged, flowerbeds clean and filled with an assortment of beautiful plants -- what more would a green thumb want?
Just looking at all this accomplishment is gratifying, but we all know it wasn't easy getting your yard in great shape. The chore is enough to break the camel's back and you probably experienced pain in that region throughout the process, along with aches in your legs and arms too. For arthritis sufferers, outdoor chores can be even more strenuous on the body.
There are ways to work in the yard and avoid those pains. Consulting with your local chiropractor can be beneficial as well and they can provide you with suggestions on how to do just that. And if you are experiencing pain, they can discuss treatment options with you and help get you back to planting again.
Warm Up Before Activity
Athletes need to do it and so do everyday people and that's warming up or stretching out our muscles before starting any activity. Just a few simple movement exercises will help get you going and help prevent an injury.
Practice Good Posture
With yard work there's lots of bending, twisting, reaching and lifting involved. It's important to practice good posture. When standing or sitting, keep your back straight as much as possible. If you have to lift something, remember to use proper technique. Lift with your legs, not your back.
Make Things Easier On You
Working in the yard is hard enough as it is. But there are ways to save you extra strain on your body. For instance, let's look at those flowerbeds. Most of the time we have to get down on the ground, either on our knees or bottom to pull weeds and plant flowers. One lifesaver idea is to build up your beds. Make them higher and easier to reach and work in. This will help ease the strain on your back, arms and knees.
If you are experiencing pain in your joints and muscles, then visit your chiropractor and let them discuss how they can help you through treatment and provide nutritional and exercise tips as well.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Austin, Tex.