Most of us have hurt our back at one time or another. As the temperatures rise and the urge to get outside and work the soil lures us to the yard, the rise in low back injuries also increase. We get excited about different projects and usually keep working until the project is complete or the sun has set.  Sometimes after such endeavors, we can’t get out of bed the next day.

In our lifetime, it is rarely one event of back pain that brings us to the doctor. In fact, most people’s first few bouts of back pain go away on their own with rest and some over the counter medication. It is the accumulated incidents of back pain over a lifetime, no matter how small, that can take its toll on the spine and create intense pain. It is the number of times our spine twists, (raking, weed wacking, unloading mulch), bends over (digging, hoeing, using a pick ax), receiving loads for prolong periods (using a tiller, riding lawnmower) and absorbing compression from carrying loads that create microtraumas in the spine and disc.

As with most of body, there is also a normal aging process that occurs too and that can prolong healing.  It would be awful and impossible to stop enjoying the outdoors altogether in our beautiful county so here are some pointers for prevention of back pain:

Keep your feet and hips and shoulders moving in the same direction to avoid twisting
Take a rest before you need to
Change positions frequently (i.e., avoid staying in a bent over or squatted position for too long)
Drink  water  often
Keep items close to your body when lifting.

There is a lot more to caring for your back but if we practice a few things it can make a huge difference! Most importantly, if the pain persists for more than two weeks, consult your health care provider.
Grab a hoe and go!