Chiropractic tips to help you stay pain-free while gardening.

You’ve just bent over to pull out that annoying weed in the corner of your garden. After tugging at the weed, the only thing you pulled was that muscle in your back.

Don’t worry! You’re not alone. Even those who don’t even like gardening still get sore backs just from trying to stop our grass from being overgrown. Whether you’re lifting heavy objects or just getting down to kneel and plant those flowers, taking care of your spine is key. Not to mention, regular chiropractic care can help you avoid back pain altogether and keep you in tip-top shape for all those gardening activities!

And while there are many benefits to gardening, we need to remember our physical health especially our spinal health. So before you tell yourself, “just one more weed, and then I’ll take a break,” consider these tips.

Getting Ready For Yard Work

Who wants to spend their weekends nursing a sore back or dealing with gardening injuries?

That’s where a little bit of caution and some tips for gardening come in handy to help make gardening a more pain-free experience.

Warm up - Gardening may not be an extreme sport, however any movement of the body should involve some form of warming up. Start with lighter tasks to wake up the muscles, especially your back. It’s important to listen to your body as well and try not to over-work yourself.
Take frequent breaks - Although tempting, try to avoid doing all the work at once. It’s easy to get lost in the hours of gardening, so set regular breaks for yourself by avoiding working during the hottest parts of the day and only during allowed watering times, giving your body plenty of time to rest.
Lift carefully - The garden is full of objects that may not appear heavy but in fact can cause strain on your lower back if not handled correctly, like watering cans and pots. When lifting keep the object as close to your body as you can, when space permits bend at the knees instead of the waist to lessen the strain on your back, use both hands and slowly stand up.
Use the best tools - The tools you use can help ease the burden on your body from gardening. Vertical garden walls and raised garden beds can lift your body off the ground and help keep your back straight. If you have traditional garden space, then a simple garden stool or bench can go a long way, reducing the need for squatting and hunching, while bringing you closer to the ground.
Straighten up - Easier said than done but the more you practice good posture, the easier it gets. Every time you start to feel your body slouching, remind yourself to get your back straight again by pushing your shoulders back and keeping them relaxed.

What Should You Do Before Your Chiropractic Appointment

If you ever feel that twinge of pain while gardening, it might be a good idea to schedule an appointment with a local chiropractor to get some chiropractic adjustments.

Now, if you think you’ve injured yourself while gardening, don’t panic! Here’s some quick tips while you wait for your chiropractic appointment:

First, stop what you’re doing and give your body a moment to rest.

Apply ice to any sore spots to reduce swelling and take it easy for the day.

If the pain doesn’t go away or gets worse, it might be time to visit your chiropractic clinic or a doctor of chiropractic as soon as possible.

Remember, keeping your chiropractic health centre in mind as part of your regular routine can help you enjoy your time in the garden even more.

What To Expect Once You’ve Made Your Appointment

You’ve taken the preventative measures but you’re still in pain. What should you do now?

If you’re heading to your first chiropractic appointment, you might be wondering what’s in store for you. Well, buckle up because it’s not just a quick pop and a goodbye!

First off, you’ll typically start with a chat with your chiropractor. They’ll ask you about your health history, any specific issues you’re facing, and what’s been bugging you lately. It’s all about getting a good picture of what’s going on with your body.

Expect to answer some questions about your lifestyle too—like how much you garden! You know, those pesky backaches or sore wrists you get from digging in the dirt too long? Your chiropractor will assess these as well as your posture and movements, helping to pinpoint any areas that need some TLC.

After the chat, there’s a physical exam. Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds! We’ll check your spine, joints, and muscles, making sure everything is in check.

Now it’s time for your adjustment. That’s when we manipulate your spine to get everything aligned. It can feel a bit weird at first, but it’s the best first step to take to improving your spinal health.

Afterwards, we’ll help you by giving some tips on stretches or exercises to help prevent those gardening injuries in the future. It’s all about keeping you in tip-top shape so you can enjoy your time in the garden without the aches and pains. So go ahead, embrace that chiropractic appointment; it’s just the beginning of feeling better!

Spine-Safe Gardening Tips