There are so many tasks that are performed daily that can result in severe neck and back pain. As the leaves start to fall, the one task that many tend to hate the most and can cause pain to the spine is leaf raking.
Raking leaves is exercise, so you would think it would be good for your spine. However, if you do it the wrong way, it can cause pain and even long-lasting damage. We at West Hartford Chiropractic, West Hartford, CT, want to share some leaf raking tips that will help in protecting your spine. Call us for chiropractor in West Hartford.
Tip #1: Stretch Beforehand
Before you begin your leaf raking task, it is always a good idea to stretch your muscles. This can be a brisk walk or specific stretches that target the back, legs, etc. An example would be bending over and touching your toes. Doing this may help prevent a potential injury. Working with a chiropractor in West Hartford may also help.
Tip #2: Maintain Good Posture
Proper form is very important. When strain is placed on your spine due to awkward posture, it causes muscle strains and pain. To ensure you have good posture while raking leaves, make sure to keep your legs bent slightly. You should also reach with your arms as opposed to the back. It is a good idea to stretch every 20 to 30 minutes to keep your muscles fluid.
Tip #3: Switch Hands Frequently
You may be right-handed, but you don’t want to rake with your right hand the entire time. This will cause overexertion of the muscles too quickly. Switch your main hand frequently to prevent and/or alleviate muscle exhaustion.
Tip #4: Take Breaks
Switching your hands is not enough to give your body a good enough break. You should take your time as you are raking leaves (they’ll be there tomorrow!), and you should take breaks every now and then to reduce the risk of injury. Pushing yourself to complete the task in a certain amount of time could lead to improper posture, increasing your risk of injury.
Contact a Chiropractor in West Hartford for Help
Whether you want to help prepare your body for raking leaves or need relief from a leaf raking injury, the team at West Hartford Chiropractic in West Hartford, CT, can help. Call us at (860) 232-5556 to schedule an appointment with a chiropractor in West Hartford.
