Avoid Back Pain with Yard Work Safety

There’s just something so satisfying about looking out over a freshly mown and meticulously mulched lawn and saying to yourself, “I did this.” But it’s tough to appreciate the fruits of your labor if you hurt yourself in the process. By following some helpful steps for yard work safety, including pacing yourself and making sure to lift with your legs, you can avoid back pain and focus more on how great everything looks.

Yard Work Safety Tips to Avoid Back Pain

Take Your Time

If you want your yard to look its best, you need to give the work its due diligence. Taking your time isn’t just great for making sure you don’t miss any details—it’s a key part of yard work safety. Overexerting yourself can increase your chances of exhaustion, dehydration, or even an injury.

Block out a good chunk of the day—ideally in the morning or evening when it’s cooler. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather, use plenty of sunscreen, and don’t forget to drink enough water. If you do feel yourself struggling, take a break and sit in the shade and come back to work when you feel 100%. And no matter how big or small the task, take time to stretch out before and after.

Lift with Your Legs

Improper form in any situation is a surefire way to wind up hurt. If you want to avoid back pain at the gym and in the backyard, make sure that you lift with your legs. Rounding your back to lift even something as light as a bag of leaves can leave you feeling stiff, sore, and out of sorts for days. Do it with something heavy like a bag of mulch or dumbbells, and you could be in for a world of hurt.

To lift with your legs, you’ll want to squat down to pick up items. Keep your back as straight as possible and slowly raise your body by straightening your legs. Set items down in a similar way, too. This will help you avoid back pain throughout the day, especially if you’re moving a lot of things around the yard.

Chiropractic to Avoid Back Pain in Brooklyn, NY

Brushing up on good yard work safety can help you stay pain-free this summer. Another thing that can help you avoid back pain in Brooklyn, NY? Regular chiropractic adjustments, which keep you feeling healthy and staying active. Williamsburg Chiropractic can help you enjoy more time out in the sunshine by relieving pain and preventing it. To get started, schedule an appointment and come visit us.