Gardening is a rewarding hobby many individuals enjoy. Yet, it’s also notorious for causing back pain. If you want to exercise your green thumb without the discomfort, allow the chiropractors from O’Fallon Pain Relief Associates in St. Charles County, MO, to help. Here, they share some of their best advice for tending to your garden while also caring for your back.

Your Guide to Avoiding Back Pain in the Garden 

1. Stretch 

To keep your muscles limber, perform a series of brief stretches before you begin gardening. Side stretches, overhead reaches, and toe touches can loosen your major muscle groups to prepare them for work.

2. Avoid Hunching

Keep a neutral spine to steer clear of back pain. Prevent reaching while weeding or planting by working only on areas directly in front of you. Use potted plants whenever possible and keep them on an elevated platform to avoid excessive bending.

3. Don’t Overdo It

Gardening requires an investment of time. To stay healthy, however, it’s a good idea to limit your sessions to 20- or 30-minute durations. When you’re at ground level, stop to stand and stretch every 10 minutes to prevent strains.

4. Lift Carefully

Lifting heavy bags of soil and watering cans is another culprit behind garden-related back injuries. Avoid strained muscles by lifting with your legs instead of your back. Never lift more than what is comfortable for you.

5. Be Mindful of Twisting

Twisting movements are also known to cause muscle injuries in the back. For this reason, it’s a good idea to keep all of the tools and supplies you’ll need within close reach. That way, you won’t have to move awkwardly when you go to retrieve them.

While these safe gardening tips may help you prevent back pain, injuries can still creep up unexpectedly. If you’re experiencing persistent pain, don’t wait to contact the specialists at O’Fallon Pain Relief Associates. Their team excels in taking a patient-oriented approach to pain management by addressing the root cause of your condition instead of just the symptoms. Learn more about their services online or call (636) 978-3000 to schedule an appointment.