Tips to Prevent Gardening Injuries

As spring approaches Long Beach, many people who own homes and tend gardens will begin to get ready for spring planting and landscaping. Unfortunately, low back pain, muscle strain, and other gardening-related injuries can make working in the yard difficult. Knowing how to prevent these injuries can help you stay active in the garden throughout the coming spring.

Methods to Avoid Pain from Gardening​

1. Correct your posture. When possible, use long-handled shovels and tools that allow you to work the land without bending over.
2. Warm up before working. Perform stretches and exercises before getting started in the yard. This will loosen your muscles and improve your range of motion to prepare your body for physical activity. If you're not sure which exercises can help, talk to your chiropractor in Long Beach.
3. Take frequent breaks. Breaking up the time spent working will help your muscles stay loose and stretchy throughout the gardening process.
4. Lift with your knees. Keep your back straight and lift with your knees when picking up heavy, awkward loads like bags of soil. If necessary, get help from a friend.
5. Stay hydrated. Water is important for muscle function. Staying hydrated can help you avoid muscle tension and cramping.

Contact Your Chiropractor in Long Beach for Natural Pain Relief

This is a time of year when seeing your chiropractor for regular chiropractic care is more crucial than ever. At Dr. Michael A. Wooten Center, we help patients stay healthy and avoid pain from working in the garden. Using techniques like spinal adjustment, stretches and exercises, nutrition counseling and massage therapy, we help patients keep the muscles loose, flexible and relaxed, which can prevent injuries.

For patients who become injured working in the garden, our pain relief techniques are non-invasive and involve no medications. We can help treat your muscle strain and low back pain with gentle, safe chiropractic care. Make an appointment for an adjustment before starting your work in the garden. Call us for an appointment at 562-434-5656. We look forward to meeting with you!