With spring underway and summer just around the corner, you might have plans to landscape the yard or mow the lawn. If you experience back pain, spending hours in the yard can exacerbate this condition, which is why it’s important to take precautions. In order to keep discomfort at bay and get your yard work done, try these five simple tips.

How to Reduce Back Pain While Working Outdoors

1. Warm Up & Stretch

While you might not be running a marathon, the long hours you spend completing yard work can be hard on your body. Before heavy lifting or working meticulously with tools, take a few minutes to stretch and warm up your muscles. This can be something as simple as a few arm circles and toe touches to get your blood flowing and loosen up. 

2. Drink Plenty of Water

You can easily become dehydrated when working outside. It’s important to drink plenty of water while doing yard work to keep your muscles functioning optimally. Without proper hydration, your muscles–including those in your back–are more prone to strain or injury.

3. Vary Activities

Another simple way to avoid back pain while completing yard work is by performing different tasks each day. Instead of spending several hours, several days a week doing the same chore, balance the yard work to make sure you’re using different muscles to avoid fatigue.

4. Lift Properly

If you’re lifting bags of mulch or other heavy items, make sure to follow the right protocol to avoid back pain. This means lifting with your whole body, including your knees, and not simply bending down and putting all the strain or pressure on your back muscles.

5. Take Breaks

When completing yard work, schedule some break time every hour or so to allow your muscles and body to recover. Taking your time on a project and not rushing through it or cramming too much work into one day will help avoid any strain or tears in muscles.

Your yard work doesn’t have to cause back pain when you follow these tips. North Pole Chiropractic is located in Alaska and offers care for back pain and muscle strains in a compassionate and welcoming environment. The chiropractor at this practice is well-versed and knowledgeable in the musculoskeletal system, providing adjustments and exercises to help you achieve relief. To learn more about the services they offer, visit their website or call (907) 488-1885.