Gardening and Your Health

Spring and summer in Burnsville means working in the dirt and making your world a beautifully colorful. It is gardening time!

And gardening involves new moves for you muscles (at least since last fall). It also means a lot of folks walking into Skyline Chiropractic in pain. Eighty-eight percent of Ontario chiropractors report that gardening is the most common source of back and neck pain during the warm weather season. I’m sure the number is the same in Minnesota.

Gardening is great for your mental health, and it provides a great strength training for you muscles. But, as with any new exercise that you don’t do regularly, your muscles will often ache.

Stretching is Key

As we’ve noted previously in posts on gardening, stretching is key to better health and less pain.  The American Chiropractic Association provides a great list of stretches to help you prepare for a day of gardening.  

I really like these tips that spell BACK from the Ontario Chiropractic Association:

Before you start, warm-up your muscles.
Avoid muscle strain, learn the right techniques.
Change positions frequently.
Kneel to plant and weed.
Spinal check-ups can help keep your back healthy.

When you are done gardening for the day, do another round of stretches. Move your muscles in the opposite direction of how you worked it. For example, if you were bending over, your low back muscles are getting quite a workout. Lean side to side, twist and give yourself a big up-stretch. The “hug your knees” pose is also great. Giving your muscles a good stretch after exercise helps them to recover.

Hydration is Key

Just like your plants, you need water. Keeping your body (and muscles) hydrated is key. Your muscles will accept more work, you will less likely to be dehydrated and you mind will stay clear if you stay hydrated. So, keep a water bottle beside you and use it as an excuse to take a break.

Chiropractic Can Help

You chiropractor is trained to treat the entire neuromusculoskeletal system, and we are ready to help you lead a healthier life by focusing on wellness and prevention.