HOW GARDENING MAY CAUSE BACK PAIN
Back pain typically develops due to an injury, poor postural habits, or repetitive movements, like bending. This is why back pain is so common with fall gardening. The repetitive bending, digging, and reaching needed for gardening will often lead to lower back pain. Gardening is a great way to get physical activity, and for a lot of people, the mental/emotional benefits are as important as the physical. Although it is not often viewed this way, gardening is similar to a sports season. Just like athletes need to train in the offseason to have a productive, competitive season, gardeners need to learn how to prepare for their season. Fortunately, our physical therapists can teach you the strategies to resolve injuries, old and new, and how to get into “gardening shape.”
HOW TO PREVENT BACK PAIN WHILE GARDENING
Gardening offers the opportunity to experience the outdoors while working on your green thumb. However, it is essential to take the necessary steps to protect your back from injury while gardening. Below are three tips for pain-free gardening:
1. Warm-up first.
Like any other physical activity, it is crucial to warm up before gardening. Morning gardeners need to make sure to walk around, or at least be up and moving, for about 45 minutes before starting any bending or lifting.
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