As the weather warms up and the sun shines brighter, many of us are drawn to our gardens — eager to plant, prune, and cultivate our outdoor spaces. And gardening is a wonderful hobby that offers both physical and mental benefits. However, it can also take a toll on our bodies, particularly our spines.
So, if you’re experiencing neck or back pain after a long morning spent tending to your garden, you may want to consider chiropractic care to help alleviate your pain (and also prevent it!). Below, we explore common gardening injuries and how your local Spring Hill chiropractor can help you overcome them.
Common Gardening Injuries
Gardening involves a lot of repetitive movements, bending, and lifting, which can strain our muscles and joints. Unfortunately, this can lead to pain (even some that may arise the next morning or over the following days). So, what are some common gardening injuries you should watch out for? Here are the top complaints:
- Lower back pain: Prolonged bending and lifting can place stress on the lower back, leading to muscle strain or even herniated discs. (This demonstrates the importance of taking a break!).
- Neck pain: Looking down at plants or reaching overhead to trim branches can cause neck strain and discomfort. If possible, always use a stool or ladder to reach high-up places instead of trying to reach and stretch for them.
- Shoulder pain: Repetitive reaching, lifting, and pulling can lead to shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff strains or tendonitis. However, proper posture and taking breaks may help prevent this!
- Knee pain: Kneeling on hard surfaces or in awkward positions can cause knee pain and stiffness. We recommend using a cushion for kneeling and being mindful of your posture as you work (more on this below).
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic care is a natural, non-invasive approach that can help alleviate your pain — as well as prevent it from happening altogether. So, here’s how chiropractic care can help reduce your pain and gardening-related injuries.
Spinal Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper spine alignment, reducing pressure on nerves and promoting healing. By correcting misalignments caused by repetitive gardening movements, your chiropractor can help alleviate back pain and improve your overall mobility.
Soft Tissue Therapy
In addition to spinal adjustments, your chiropractor may use soft tissue therapies such as massage or trigger point therapy to help relax tense muscles and promote circulation. This can help reduce inflammation and pain in your back, neck, shoulders, and other affected areas.
Ergonomic Advice
Your chiropractor can also provide guidance on proper body mechanics and ergonomics while gardening. This may include advice on maintaining good posture, using tools with longer handles to reduce bending, and taking frequent breaks to avoid overexertion.
Don’t let pain keep you from enjoying your garden this season! The Premier Chiropractic team is here to help. If you’re experiencing discomfort or have suffered a gardening-related injury, book an appointment with our trusted team today.
