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With warm weather and ample sunshine, May is the perfect month to start working in the garden. However, if you suffer from chronic back pain, activities like gardening must be done with care. The Twin Cities-area experts at iSpine Pain Physicians recommend exercising caution while gardening to reduce strain on your back and neck.

How to Avoid Back Pain While Gardening

1. Warm Up

Warming up your muscles before a session in the garden will help prevent muscle strains and injuries. Take a five-minute walk and ask your doctor to recommend some stretches to do before rolling up your sleeves.

2. Practice Good Posture

Gardening involves a lot of bending over, so it’s important to keep your posture as straight as possible. Use a stool or a chair when you get tired, and use your legs when lifting things like plants, pots and watering cans.

back pain3. Use the Right Tools

Using a wagon or dolly to carry gardening equipment will reduce pressure on your back. Take every measure you can to avoid straining it — try using long-handled garden tools, and consider installing sprinklers or hoses near your garden.

4. Take Frequent Breaks

Never spend more than 20 or 30 minutes gardening, and take frequent breaks in between activities. During these breaks, try stretching or going for a walk. If you feel any pain during an activity, stop doing it immediately to avoid injury.

If you suffer from chronic back pain, you don’t always have to give up the activities you love. For chronic pain management, make an appointment with the board-certified physicians at iSpine Pain Physicians — give the Minnesota clinic a call at (763) 201-8191 or visit them online.

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