Owning a dog can be a very emotionally rewarding experience. It can also do a number on your body if you’re not careful, which is why many dog owners experience issues with back pain. You can reduce your risk by taking the following steps.

How Can I Avoid Back Pain as a Dog Owner?

1. Strengthen Your Core Muscles

While walking your dog is fantastic exercise, if your pet is particularly strong or rambunctious, you run the risk of straining your back muscles. Strengthening your core will allow you to resist when your dog yanks its leash, which can prevent injury in many cases. You can also visit a chiropractor for an adjustment. This ensures your spine and all of its components are in proper alignment, which also wards off injuries.

2. Be Careful When Picking Up Your Dog

If you have a larger dog, it’s best to keep him on the ground where he belongs. For medium-sized and small dogs, take the proper steps when lifting to prevent injury. Instead of bending from your waist, crouch down and wrap both arms around your dog and lift him up using your lower body. Frequently bending over can cause issues with your spine, including inflamed and bulging discs.

3. Invest in a Pooper Scooper

Cleaning up after your dog is a must. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it will also prevent you from being issued an expensive ticket for failing to clean up after your mutt. A pooper scooper makes short work of the process and also spares you some pain and discomfort. Make sure the handle accommodates your height or the device may not be as effective for preventing back strain.

O'Fallon Pain Relief Associates knows that owning a dog is a full-time job. That’s why this pain management clinic supports dog owners and anyone else experiencing back pain using safe and effective treatments. This includes physical therapy, chiropractic care, disc decompression, therapeutic injections, and many other treatments. They believe in addressing the underlying causes of pain and discomfort so you can get back to things that matter. Visit them online to schedule your next appointment in O'Fallon, MO. You can also call (636) 978-3000 for more information on their hours of operation and location.