Gardening is one of the joys of life for many, but it can also be a real workout! But having back pain shouldn’t mean you need to bury away your green fingers! You can still enjoy your hobby by following these three simple tips from our Southend chiropractor…
1: Warm Up
You wouldn’t do a session at the gym without warming up first, so don’t hit your gardening plans without preparing your body! Warm up your muscles by taking a brisk, five-minute walk and doing some gentle stretching exercises.
2: Lift carefully
It’s all too easy to incorrectly lift heavy pots, bushes, and full watering cans while gardening. Before you go lugging heavy items around, take a moment to perfect your lifting technique. Begin by squatting (and not bending at the waist). Then use both of your hands to hold the object, keeping it close to your body. Slowly straighten your legs as you lift.
3: Use Supporting Tools
Depending on your level of back pain, getting down on the ground (and back up!) can be a real struggle! Instead of fighting a losing battle with gravity, consider investing in a heavy-duty kneeler. Many of these include raised handles that will allow you to use your arm strength to help you up and down. You can also buy kneelers that convert into chairs.
Happy gardening!