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Copyright 2013 QUIRO NATELIA S.L.
Chiropractic Gardening Tips
To make an appointment with one of our chiropractors in any
of our clinics (Alicante or Denia), please call 965 200 005
The weather is starting to warm up, so many of us are starting to get our gardens in shape. As a chiropractor I often have increased cases of low back pain and further strains on the back, neck and shoulders at this time of year.
Here are some simple tips to bear in mind when out in the garden:
NEWS
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Do not wear clothing that are tight and will constrict any of your movement.Warm up properly. Gardening is a form of exercise, stretch before getting to work. Once in the garden, start with lighter jobs first as this will lessen the chance of any muscle strain.
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Looking after and making sure you use the right tools is important. Keep your cutting tools sharp, and for any hard to reach pruning use tools with a longer handle to avoid over reaching.
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Work smart. Get as close as possible when pruning, and get in front to avoid twisting. Use a cushion when kneeling. Bend from your knees and hips instead of your back. When digging, alternate the foot you use on the shovel.
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Vary your activity. Change activity every 30 minutes. If the job will take longer, change your body position regularly.
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Take regular breaks and stay hydrated.
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Once finished, use an ice pack for 15 minutes, this will lessen any chances of inflammation in your joints. Keeping healthy is important.
Always listen to your body, if it hurts, stop. We can be achy after physical exertion, but this should last no more than 48 hours. Warning signs of a bad back are shown when pain persists or worsens after more than 48 hours. Other warning signs include: inability to turn neck equally from side to side; stiffness in the morning that decreases when you move around; pain that prevents you from sleeping; difficulty sitting comfortably for long periods; leg or arm pain that can be accompanied by tingling and/or numbness; and pain in the low back and leg that is aggravated when coughing or sneezing.
If you are experiencing any of these discomforts, you should consider having your spine checked by a chiropractor who will be able to help.
