For many people, gardening is an escape. However, if you have chronic pain, shoveling, planting and other essential tasks may not be so enjoyable. Luckily, you can still enjoy this hobby by following these chronic pain management tips.

How to Manage Chronic Pain When Gardening

1. Avoid Squeeze Tools

If you have chronic pain in your hands, wrists or forearms, avoid hoses with grip attachments. These require a significant amount of squeezing, which can put pressure on already irritated joints and tendons. Instead, opt for nozzles with valves that require one touch to turn on and one to turn off. That way, you can water the landscape at your own pace, without exerting pressure.

2. Take Regular Breaks

When you're making considerable progress, it's easy to lose track of time. However, regular breaks are crucial for people with chronic pain. Set a timer to go off every 30 minutes and use that time to get up, stretch out and walk around before returning to your project. This will release you from your repetitive motion or tense posture, preventing inflammation and improving circulation.

3. Get a Stool

Whether you're harvesting a vegetable garden or picking off dead blooms, kneeling on the ground can aggravate chronic pain. Even with a mat, putting all of your weight on bent knees can prevent circulation and even leave bruises. Instead, use a small, outdoor stool with a supportive cushion, so you're sitting a foot or so above the ground. If you need to work along the perimeter of your property, choose a stool with wheels, so you easily adjust the position without having to stand and move the seat.

If chronic pain is still preventing you from enjoying gardening, reach out to iSpine Pain Physicians of the Twin Cities, MN, area. They’ll assess your symptoms and come up with a personalized chronic pain management plan from their location in Maple Grove, Coon Rapids, Chaska, Shakopee, Sartell or Delano. From injections to long-term rehabilitation, you can trust these specialist to point you in the right direction. Learn more about their chronic pain management services on their website, or call (763) 201-8191 for an appointment.