Every summer, chiropractors see an increase in patients experiencing pain and injuries from working in their yard or garden. While you might be healthy or young, gardening pains can still affect you. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent injuries and pain. At Campion Chiropractic in College Station, we can provide the pain relief that you need to get back out in the garden.
How Yard Work Causes Pain
Yard work and gardening can cause muscle pain in various ways, from lifting soil, mulch, and potted plants to bending over to plant, dig, or weed. Even the repetitive motions of using a rake or shovel can cause soreness and stress injuries. Lower back pain is widespread in avid gardeners because of the bending and lifting. Below are a few tips that can help protect your arms, shoulders, legs, hands, and wrists:
- First, start by warming up. A few minutes of stretching can mitigate weeks of potential pain.
- Stay hydrated, which will help your muscles operate optimally and with more coordination, reducing the risk of strain.
- Lift with your legs instead of your back. Get help lifting heavy bags of soil, mulch, or landscaping elements.
- Use a wheelbarrow or wagon to move materials around your property.
- Switch up your gardening activities to avoid overusing certain muscles.
- Use tools with your non-dominant hand.
- Wear gloves to prevent blisters.
- Push mowers with your arms and legs, not your back.
- Kneel when weeding. If kneeling is uncomfortable, consider a small seat to lower your body closer to the ground.
- Wear supportive shoes.
- Take breaks.
- Enlist the help of friends or neighbors to perform tasks that are too hard on your body
These tips will help reduce the strain and risk of injury as you work in your garden. However, it is still possible to overdo it or injure yourself when gardening. If you are injured while out in the yard, contact our team at Campion Chiropractic for natural pain relief and a faster recovery.
Get Help for Your Gardening Pain in College Station, TX
A beautiful yard can take its toll on your body. Call Campion Chiropractic today at (979) 693-6500 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sehorn.
