Most adults who live throughout Marietta are obligated to perform basic to extensive yard work during the fall season.
Whether you are interested in following through with light maintenance or are looking to perform some intense landscaping, it is important to remain aware of particular precautions that help you avoid muscle strain and the onset of back pain.
Back Pain and Yard Work
According to studies conducted by the National Safety Council, over four million Americans suffer some type of injury each year trying maintain their lawn.
Because the concept of Chiropractic care is dedicated to providing preventative treatment solutions, the Chiropractors at AICA Marietta decided to offer the following recommendations that help you follow through with yard work without the risk of injury or pain.
Use Cushioned Pads
When performing some type of gardening or whenever you’re forced to work on your knees, make sure to use properly cushioned pads to support your knees.
Not only will these pads protect your knees from strain, but they will also help improve your body position.
Moisten The Soil First
Protect yourself from strain when digging into the ground by softening up the soil with water.
This will protect your back from the type of stress that can lead to back pain later on.
Using Proper Safety Equipment
If your lawn work requires the use of mechanical equipment, make sure to use some type of strap that keeps the machine close to your upper body.
Place the strap over your shoulders and around your head, placing the machine on the opposite side of your body. This support will help you stabilize your center of gravity and prevent you from pulling your back muscles.
Keep Shifting From Side to Side
It’s important that you remember to shift from side to side when operating heavy equipment in order to provide stability to the muscles that are being used.
Choose Electric Equipment
If you suffer from back or neck pain, you may want to consider using electric equipment since they tend to be lighter and smaller than their counterparts that are gas-fueled.
Bend From The Knees
If you have to pick up or put down heavy equipment, remember to bend with your knees, not your waist.
Preparation Is Key
One of the most important things you can do to prevent the onset of back pain when performing lawn work is to prepare your body ahead of time.
You can avoid injury best when you allow yourself to properly warm-up and cool-down through stretching and calisthenics.
When stretching your body, keep these tips in mind:
- Do not bounce up and down or from side to side
- If you experience any level of pain, you are stretching too far or too harshly
- Be aware of how you are breathing; inhaling and exhaling slowly throughout each type of stretch
Learn More Back Pain Prevention Tips from AICA Marietta’s Chiropractors
Our Chiropractors are experienced at providing various tips and advice that help you remain healthy for the long-haul.
From specific exercise routines to diet adjustments, we can help you live a healthy, pain-free life.
If you have never visited our office before, we offer consultations so that you have a chance to ask any questions you may have about Chiropractic care and its influence on general wellness.
You can schedule your consultation today by filling out our online submission form or by calling our Marietta office at (770) 383-1435.