As the first mild days of spring arrive, many homeowners are eager to get out and start tackling yard work projects. While some fresh air and physical activity are certainly beneficial for your body and spirit, try not to overdo it. Often, injuries sustained during outdoor projects cause issues like neck and back pain. Here’s a brief guide to help you stay pain-free this spring.

A Guide to Injury Prevention for Spring Yard Work

Before You Begin

Even if you’re excited to dive right into a landscaping endeavor, take the time to warm up. You’ll be bending and moving in different ways, exercising muscles you may not use often. You need to loosen up those muscles to prevent strains and pulls. Perform some gentle dynamic stretches, such as overhead reaches, toe touches, and arm circles to supply the body with plenty of blood and oxygen before you head out.

While You’re Working

As you go about your project, make a point to check in physically to ensure you’re not lifting anything too heavy, moving awkwardly, or otherwise risking injury. To prevent back pain, take periodic breaks from activities that require you to bend over, such as weeding or sowing seeds. Try to minimize any twisting movements and instead only work on areas directly in front of you to avoid putting pressure on the spine. Don’t lift too many heavy bags of soil or mulch at once, and split up the loads or use equipment like a wheelbarrow as needed.

It’s tempting to rush through all of your yard work in one day, but resist the urge to push through your entire chores list. Instead, break activities up, spreading them out over weeknights or multiple weekends. This will give your body the chance to recover from any muscle damage. If you notice back pain either while working or afterward, discontinue the project until you’ve fully recovered to minimize the risk of a more serious injury.

Even if you’re careful not to overdo it, you can’t always avoid injuries. Luckily, the team from Midway Pointe Chiropractic will get you back into your normal routine. Offering a broad range of chiropractic services to combat persistent neck and back pain, and chronic conditions such as arthritis, and injuries, this office has served Lorain County, OH, for more than 18 years. Read customer testimonials online or call (440) 324-2040 to schedule an appointment.