It is a nice reminder that spring is in the air as the greens of our lawns slowly emerge under melting snow. With this time of year comes a chore known famously as ‘spring-cleaning.’ While it is a time of de-cluttering and re-organizing, it often comes with the inevitable: back pain.
Don’t let back pain ruin your springtime and summertime fun. Let the experts at Southwest Spine and Pain get you back into life with the best treatments, therapies, and tips to reduce back pain and live a more fulfilling life. With four locations across Utah, Southwest Spine and Pain is the leading pain clinic in the southwest United States.
Gardening, yard work, cleaning, and lawn maintenance: these chores may seem like a drag, but it is often very fulfilling once your projects are done. Whether you enjoy entertaining guests in your perfectly trimmed back yard, or you simply enjoy planting eye-catching shrubberies, these tips are sure to help you avoid back pain during this busy season.
Lawn equipment is often the number one culprit of back pain and subsequent injuries. If you use a push lawn mower, it may be time to trade it in for a seated one. Long handle and lightweight tools are ergonomically safe and relieve a lot of stress on the back muscles. When raking or shoveling, be sure to keep the handles close to the body and move your legs just as much as your arms. Alternate arms to evenly distribute movement across the body.
Use a chair or knee guards when working in low, hard to reach areas. Be sure not to overstretch your back and lean too far forward. This is where long handled tools come in handy! Also, take frequent breaks as needed. If you suffer from arthritis, the joints of your body may need rest and a load off of them. Keep your blood flowing before you start or stop any activity. Have a water bottle handy to avoid dehydration and fatigue.
Gardening and yard work don’t have to be monotonous chores. Recruit a friend or loved one to help and make it a fun project! Isn’t seeing a positive transformation to your living space fulfilling? Don’t let back pain ruin this time for you. If you have a previous history of back pain, come in and talk to one of the physicians at Southwest Spine and Pain Center to learn more ways to can avoid back pain and injuries.
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
©Southwest Spine and Pain Center, 2014
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