Every year, hundreds — if not thousands — of people suffer some type of lower back injury that requires a visit to their chiropractor as a result of gardening or other yard work. This happens a lot in the spring, when people are anxious to get outside after months of being penned indoors by winter.
It's relatively easy to injure your back, especially if you're moving heavy objects around the yard. Good chiropractic care is always one of the first things you should do after such an injury — but regular chiropractic care may help curb these injuries in the first place, along with some common safety precautions.
Preventing back injuries
There are several tips that can help prevent back injuries while you're working in your yard. Perhaps the most important: the more fit you are, the less likely you are to suffer an injury of this type. Fitness is a good idea in any case, and especially when you're performing rigorous physical activity. Good muscle tone and flexibility go a long way toward keeping you healthy and free from back injuries.
Always lift properly. Lift with your knees and keep your feet in front of you about shoulder-width apart. Whatever you do, never lift with your back — that's one of the primary reasons people hurt themselves in the first place. Another way to reduce your chances of injury is to use tools that work well for your body. If you're smaller-framed, use smaller tools and don't try to move heavy items without help.
If you do feel tightness in your back, or you have had an especially hard day, you can typically relieve much of the tension by icing the muscles appropriately. If you prefer, you may want to alternate ice and heat to reduce inflammation and relax the muscles. Don't apply ice directly to the skin, and use caution when applying heat.
It's always a good idea to visit your chiropractor on a regular basis even if you're not currently experiencing problems. This can prevent you from suffering a back injury or some other type of injury while you're working in your yard. In the event that you do suffer an injury, visiting Family Tree Chiropractic can be an integral part of the recovery process.
Working in your yard and getting ready for spring is something most people enjoy — but it's also something you should do carefully so you don't injure yourself. Be safe, and contact us with any questions.