How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Your Spring Gardening
As the weather begins to warm up, many people start to think and plan their upcoming spring gardens. Getting your yard and flower beds ready for planting takes some preparation, from clearing out weeds to putting in new dirt and mulch. After being sedentary all winter long, bending over and working in your garden can lead to injuries and back pain.
If you do encounter any discomfort with your spring gardening, chiropractic care can help you on the road to recovery. Whether you’re trying to take it easy from a previous back injury or looking to avoid a future one, there are some steps you can take to maintain body and spine health while preparing your garden.
3 Ways to Prevent Injury During Spring Gardening
A garden can provide you with not only flowers and plants to enjoy, but also much-needed stress relief. Here are some tips you should keep in mind before spending the day in your garden:
1. Warm Up First
Gardening is a full body activity. Warming up with some easy stretches for your hip flexors, quads, and back is important to loosen up your muscles. You can also take a brisk walk around your yard to relieve pressure on your spine.
2. Lift Carefully
If you’re lifting a bag of dirt or a large pot, don’t lift with your back. Squat down and lift up with your legs. One of the foremost causes of neck and back pain is incorrect lifting. For an item that is too heavy to lift, don’t force it. Get a cart or wagon to help move it or ask someone for assistance.
3. Take a Break
Working in the warm sun can dehydrate you, so take breaks to drink water and rest your body. If you’ve been hunched over for a while, stand up and stretch in a backward bend to relieve any muscle tightness. For the days you spend leaning over for extended lengths of time, consider getting a potting bench where you can plant in containers while standing.
Chiropractic Care for Garden Related Injuries
Injuries can still happen despite taking proper precautions. If you feel any pain or discomfort after gardening, call our office and make an appointment. Our highly trained staff will treat your symptoms, perform adjustments, and gently massage sore areas to relieve pressure on your spine.
Contact us today for an appointment.
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Chiropractic
