Streamlined Guide to Minimizing Back Strain from Lawn Maintenance
Gardening and yard work can be a rewarding activity, but it's not without its physical demands. These tasks involve lifting, twisting, leaning, kneeling, crouching, and squatting, which can lead to back pain and soreness if not done correctly.
To help avoid hunching over during gardening or yard work, ergonomic tools with larger or curved-handled can be beneficial. These tools can help maintain a more upright posture, reducing the strain on your back.
Another useful tool is a garden stool or bench. These can help reduce the need for squatting, keeping your back upright and alleviating the pressure on your lower back.
Warming up before starting your gardening or yard work is also crucial. A few stretches and a quick surveillance lap around the lawn can help prepare your body and avoid back pain. Conversely, sudden shifts in physical activity, such as becoming a weekend yard warrior, can lead to body aches.
In addition to preparation, maintaining good posture throughout your work is essential. Smooth movements and avoiding sudden twisting or reaching motions can help prevent back pain. It's also important to keep an upright posture while gardening or yard work to prevent unnecessary stress on the spine.
Flattening the natural curves in the spine during these activities can focus weight on single disks or vertebrae, primarily in the lower back. This can be avoided by keeping an upright posture.
Wearing a back brace or support can also help maintain good posture and keep too much pressure from building on the back during a long day of yard work. However, it's important to listen to your body and take breaks when it starts to ache to prevent further injury.
Breaking up the work routine can also help. Doing one job for 20 minutes and then switching to another task can help avoid aches and pains from holding one position for too long.
Using wheelbarrows and garden carts can make it easier to move heavy objects without straining the back. This can help prevent back pain and soreness caused by lifting and carrying heavy items.
It's worth noting that gardening and yard work can be quite calorie-intensive. An hour of light gardening or yard work can burn approximately 330 calories per hour, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Back pain is the most common complaint following a day of gardening or yard work. However, by following these tips, you can help reduce the risk of back pain and enjoy your gardening and yard work more comfortably.
Unfortunately, the search results do not provide information about the organization to which the leading chiropractor Andrew Bang belongs. Nonetheless, seeking professional advice from a healthcare provider can provide additional guidance and help ensure a safe and enjoyable gardening and yard work experience.
