A Gardener's Guide To A Healthy Back

Gardening is a fun hobby that helps your lawn and backyard look beautiful, and it can be quite rewarding. This activity involves a lot of stooping, bending, and putting a strain on your legs, neck, and back. In order to ensure that you're able to plant a fruitful garden without injury, there are certain things all gardeners should do to help keep their backs healthy and to avoid potential injury.

Use Your Equipment Wisely

The safe, smart operation of lawn and garden equipment is crucial to preventing back injuries. When using any kind of lawn equipment, like a weed whacker, it's imperative that you use a support strap as you operate it. This strap wraps around your chest and keeps the equipment stable and level. It also provides added support for your body so you're not putting all of your weight forward when you use it. If possible, choose electric-powered lawn tools over gas-powered once since they tend to be much lighter. Switch sides frequently to evenly distribute your weight, and change up your position and motion often so you're not staying in one position too long. This will help keep your body moving and your back from experiencing too much strain on one area as you work.

Practice Proper Positions

When you garden, it's normal to bend over in one position for long periods of time. Instead, try to use a soft gardening kneeling pad that allows you to "sit" on your knees as you work, and don't bend over while standing if you can avoid it. Change your position frequently, and always warm up by performing a few stretches or even taking a brisk walk before you begin working in the garden. Warming up will get your muscles prepared and keep you limber so you can garden longer without pain or injury. Whenever you stand up, lift your body at the knees rather than at the torso to keep from straining the back. 

Be Mindful Of Your Workload

It's important to listen to your body if you feel like it's becoming too strained or stressed while gardening. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water as you garden, and never try to haul or lift heavy loads of mulch, fertilizer, or soil on your own. Use a wheelbarrow or hand truck to help you transport bigger loads from one area of the garden to another rather than attempting to carry them by hand. Apply gardening material in small batches so you can keep from hurting your back by trying to do it all at once. By being mindful and vigilant about your gardening habits, you can enjoy beautiful results without the unwanted issue of back pain or injury.

If you do find that you're having back pain, go get it checked out by a chiropractor from a company like Health Atlast Fountain Valley.