Summer is the perfect time to spend outdoors, whether you’re exercising, working in the garden, or participating in some other form of outdoor fun. However, there are a number of summer activities that can lead to back pain, particularly if your strength or endurance needs some work. If you’re looking to get outside this season, show precaution when performing the following four activities that could potentially lead to back pain.

4 Ways Summer Fun Can Lead to Back Pain

Gardening

While tending the garden can be an excellent way to enjoy the sunshine, repetitive motions like lifting, digging, and bending over can cause back pain. To help minimize any problems, remember to spread out gardening tasks throughout the day, and take plenty of breaks to rehydrate.

Yard Work

Whether it’s mowing the lawn or trimming the trees, there are a number of ways yard work can lead to back pain. Hunching over the lawn mower causes your spine to become misaligned, which can strain the neck and back muscles. Additionally, any work that requires a ladder utilizes different muscles to maintain balance. This overcompensation can cause aches and pains in the back, shoulders, and neck. Because of this, don’t try to accomplish all of the yard work in a single day — instead, spread it out and complete tasks as you go.

Fitness

Spending time outdoors is a convenient way to get back in shape, but it’s crucial to know your limit. Overdoing a new exercise regime, whether it’s running or biking, is an easy way to injure your back. Remember to go easy when starting a new activity, and drink plenty of water throughout the workout. Listen to your body and allow yourself to build up your endurance.

Long Car Drives

Summer is a fantastic time to take vacations, but that may mean putting up with an extended car ride. The seats in most vehicles do not provide substantial support for extended trips, making back pain likely. If you have a long road trip ahead, allow enough time to make stops where you can stand up, stretch, and walk around for a few minutes.

Summer is a pivotal time to get in shape and spend time in the sun, but it’s important to keep your activity level in mind when performing outdoor tasks. StayFIT Physical Therapy is located in Aiea, HI, and provides important exercises and therapies to individuals in the surrounding communities. Whether you’re looking to get into better shape or are recovering from back pain, the one-on-one treatment plan StayFIT Physical Therapy follows allows patients to build strength and recover under supervision. To learn more about the physical therapy facility, visit their website or call (808) 487-0487 today. You can also connect with the staff on their Facebook page.