Back Safety Gardening Tips

Posted on Jun. 12, 2019

Back Safety Gardening Tips

This spring you have probably been planting new bulbs and cleaning up your yard. According to the National Gardening Association, 2/3 of U.S. households do some sort of gardening each year.

These activities can include raking, removing trees/shrubs, planting new flowers/plants, wedding, lawn maintenance and more. Make sure that you are safely doing your home maintenance and garden safely with this advice.

Safe Gardening Tips:

• Bend at the knees and hips to lift up heavy objects.

• Lift with legs and buttocks, not your back.

• Use both arms or alternate when possible.

• Support your back by tightening your core.

• Don’t bend and twist simultaneously.

• Avoid repetitive bending especially at the lower back or neck.

• Change positions every 15-30 minutes.

• Take breaks often, make sure to stretch, move around and stay hydrated.

• Wear comfortable shoes and comfortable clothing.

• Use long handled tools that will allow you to remain upright for most of the work.

• Use a wheelbarrow to move heavy plants, dirt, soil, bricks and more.

This year when you are planting those gorgeous perennials, a nice day of gardening should not end in back pain. You should feel good when you are making your yard beautiful and afterwards too. Make sure to take these precautions to ensure you are injury-free. If you do injure yourself doing yard work, make sure to ice injuries immediately and visit our office.

Call Accident and Injury Chiropractic in Tacoma for your next chiropractic care appointment. (253) 215-8350

• Dr. Joel D. Vranna, D.C.