The warmer weather brings forward the opportunity to get back outdoors and start cleaning up and planting in the garden. While gardening can be a calming activity, it can be hard work for your body, especially if you struggle with chronic lower back pain. Our chiropractor near Mt Sinai, Dr. Sophia Argeropoulos, is here to help you utilize a safe and smart approach to minimize the impact of gardening on your lower back. Continue reading to discover helpful gardening tips for back pain!
Gardening Tips For Lower Back Pain
Long hours of planting in the garden can take a toll on your back and worsen existing back pain. However, the risk of lower back pain doesn’t mean you need to cross this springtime activity off of your list. Our chiropractor near Mt Sinai is here to ensure you can still exercise your green thumb with the following gardening safety tips:
- Warm Up – Gardening can be a workout, so stretching and warming up your muscles before you begin can help prepare your body and mitigate lower back pain.
- Take Breaks – Being out in the garden on a warm spring day makes it easier to lose track of time. Make sure to take frequent breaks to hydrate and stretch your muscles if you’ve been in one position for a while.
- Lift Properly – Lifting full watering cans and heavy pots without proper support can damage the ligaments, muscles, and discs in your back. To lift with support, start by squatting and avoid bending at the waist. Keep the object close to your body and use both hands, slowly straighten your legs as you stand. You can use lifting aids like a wagon to cart heavy items from place to place. If your back pain is severe, it may be best to leave heavy lifting chores to others.
Contact Our Chiropractor Near Mt. Sinai
If you enjoy gardening but struggle with lower back pain, try these tips to help relax your mind and sustain your hobby without aggravating your pain. Dr. Sophia Argeropoulos is here to help treat your lower back pain and keep you healthy so you can enjoy all the fun of the spring season! Be sure to contact us today to schedule an appointment with our chiropractor near Mt Sinai!
