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While “spring cleaning” might be the better-known term, most families have plenty to tidy up after the whirlwind of summer is finally through. In this case, you’ll put a lot of effort into organizing your living space for the holiday season. However, it’s easy to get carried away and wake up the next morning with discomfort in your shoulders, neck or back. To avoid an emergency trip to a back pain specialist, use the following tips.

The Guide to a Pain-Free Fall Cleanup

1. Raking Leaves

When the fall leaves start to pile up, grab your rake as soon as possible—otherwise, the blanket could damage your lawn and attract pests. But, when raking, it’s important to go slow. Back pain specialists recommend engaging your arms and legs to avoid overexerting your back. When changing positions, pivot on your rear leg, and don’t extend the rake more than one to two feet in front of you. Even though it’s chilly outside, you also need to stay hydrated and take stretch breaks. 

2. Doing Laundry

back pain specialistWhether you’re pulling out your wool sweaters from under the bed or throwing in a load of wash, laundry is an inevitable part of the fall cleanup process. If you need to carry clothing, then keep the stacks small—you can always take more than one trip. If you’re bending down to put clothes in the machine, remember to bend at your knees, not your spine.

3. Cleaning Gutters

When standing on a ladder, your entire body will be tense, which makes it a lot easier to sustain an injury. To relax, back pain specialists recommend asking a friend to hold the ladder in place. Avoid bending your spine to either side, as twisting while bending could cause a herniated disc. Also, similar to raking, don’t work past your arm’s reach—even if it means moving the ladder every few minutes.

 

If you still feel unusually sore after your fall cleanup, the back pain specialists at iSpine Pain Physicians will be there to address your symptoms. In addition to back pain relief, they offer non-invasive treatments for shoulder, neck and hip discomfort. Visit their website for more on their services. You can also call (763) 201-8191 to reach any of their Twin Cities locations.

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