Chiropractor in Hurst TX Explains How to Prevent Back Pain When Doing Yard Work

Spring has sprung and summer is quickly upon us. Many people find themselves doing work in their yards at this time of year. You might be clearing trees and branches from the recent storms or digging holes for that new fence. It is also that time of year I get a lot of phone calls from people who have hurt their backs while working in their yard in Hurst TX.

If you've been relatively inactive all winter and then take on a big weekend project in your yard, it's fairly obvious why your back hurts. When you're inactive, your muscles decondition. Add some strenuous activity in the yard (at least compared to sitting in your favorite recliner) and you've set yourself up for injury.

If you keep active and stay in shape, doing yard work is just one of those activities that aggravate those weak spots already present in your spine. Compared to working out at the gym, the forces on your body can vary greatly when you're doing yard work. For example, how much force does it take to pull that bush out? All your strength and then none as you fall backward. Yard projects also tend to take much longer than your routine hour workout at the gym. Because of that many of us, including myself, will try to rush through the project without taking breaks to stretch.

Chances are, you've already tweaked your back from doing yard work or you wouldn't be reading this. If that is the case, why wait? Get relief today and call our office to schedule an appointment. Also, use ice 15 minutes on, and 1 hour off to control pain and inflammation. Don't even think about touching that heating pad, it may make it worse!

If you're like me, when I decide to do something I want it done yesterday. However, this approach often leaves me with a sore back. Over the years, I have learned many tips to prevent back pain from yard work.

If you have a big project to do (laying sod, planting a tree, fixing that fence), work for an hour and then take a break. During your break stretch and rehydrate with a glass of water. After you've rested for at least 15 minutes see how you feel before returning to work in the yard. Do this every hour. No matter how good of shape you are in, 6 hours of doing repetitive activities that your body isn't used to will make anyone hurt.

If you're somewhat 'in tune' with your body, you know what your weak spots are. You know those areas that hurt if you're not careful. Be sure to stretch these areas well after your done working for the day. Spend 10-15 minutes and perform 3-4 stretches on those weakened areas.

Don't be that person who says they don't have a weak link their body. We all have one. If you're not sure what your weak area is, then you need to pay closer attention to your body and tight muscles. If you ignore your body's warning signs of an oncoming injury, you may find yourself in severe pain.

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