Garden Gripes!

It’s that time of year again where we all look at our gardens with either joy or trepidation. It’s time to get back out there and have a tidy up and start planting.

Many people suffer with back ache as a result of the bending and twisting movements involved with gardening. Some of this pain will be a result of repetitive strain leading to soft tissue irritation to the muscles, ligaments and tendons or some may be the result of an underling condition such as spondylosis of the spine.

Back pain associated with gardening often occurs after the event, during the night or following day. Inflammation will often build up around the joints in the lumbar region, causing them to stiffen and the onset of back pain and discomfort. Sometimes the spinal nerves positioned very close to the swollen joints can become pinched or irritated, this can lead to acute muscle spasm and possible sciatic symptoms with pain down the leg or buttocks.

To help to ease pain whilst gardening always try to warm up before starting e.g a gentle walk or stretch, ease into your activity (try not to do too much in one go, and vary your activity) take regular breaks, use a wheelbarrow for heavy work and a knee pad whilst planting so you are not bending, be aware of your posture whilst digging and raking, use a roller to treat decking or fences to avoid bending.

• Keep objects and work surfaces close to your body and prevent yourself from over reaching.
• Bend your knees and squat to lift. If weeding kneel on a pad to get to ground level or use an old blanket to rest under your knees. Sometimes sitting on a small stool can be more comfortable.
• When trimming high branches or hedges use a ladder or step stool to prevent over reaching.
• Use tools with long handles and that are light to prevent stresses on the upper neck, shoulders and low back region.
• When mowing the lawn or using a wheelbarrow avoid twisting from your low back. Pivot from your feet and keep your back long with your arms and elbows close to your body.
• Take breaks - overuse or repetitive motions such as digging or weeding can cause problems. Excessive gripping of tools can cause tendonitis type injuries in the wrist and arm regions.
• Switch tasks to prevent repetitive overuse of areas.

Gardening is a great source of exercise for many fresh air and enjoyment. Take care when getting back into the garden and listen to your body. If you feel twinges or pain take a rest or break don't carry on.

If you follow these top tips but are still struggling with pain, please give us a call on 01722 512 043 to book an appointment to help relieve your symptoms or for further advice.