Following the recent Royal Chelsea Flower Show, some of you may have the green-finger bug. Did you know that gardening was one of the household activities that most commonly causes back pain? Before venturing out into the garden, here are five top tips for back pain prevention while gardening.
FIVE TOP TIPS FOR BACK PAIN PREVENTION WHILE GARDENING
- Don’t forget to do warm up exercises. Gardening is, after all, a form of exercise. We recommend you spend 10-15 minutes doing simple back mobility exercises to warm up.
- Wear clothing that is loose and comfortable and keep your muscles warm.
- Do not work in a stooped position. Keep upright and kneel to do tasks such as weeding. Digging should be done with the back upright. Avoid excessive and sudden twisting movements, and use your feet.
- If you use a lawnmower, keep upright and rock from one foot to the next. Avoid too much twisting if you use a flymo. Move your legs.
- When pruning and cutting avoid over-reaching and use a stepladder.
BONUS TIP
- Garden centres also sell specially designed tools for people with back pain.
APPOINTMENTS
If you are experiencing back pain while gardening, we can help you. Call us on 020 8789 3881 or use or online appointment booking system.
