As the weather continues to warm, our gardens begin calling us outdoors! This year, don鈥檛 let a sore back be the answer.

鈥淚f thinking of tackling your garden鈥檚 to-do list already has you anticipating some back pain, you鈥檙e not alone,鈥� notes Ryan Harris, from .

鈥淥nce a sunny day arrives, we鈥檙e eager to get outside and we aren鈥檛 thinking about pacing ourselves, which can set us up for injury,鈥� Dr. Harris explains.

As we鈥檙e not typically as active in the winter months, our core strength can weaken. Then, when we spend an extended period of time hunched over, paired with a weaker core, it can set us up for injury. Pacing yourself is a great way to avoid injury.

鈥淒on鈥檛 aim for six hours in one day, instead do a little bit day by day and slowly work your body back into it,鈥� Dr. Harris notes. 鈥淭he weeds aren鈥檛 going to get out of control within days, so give your body some time to bounce back.鈥�

Additionally, instead of bending over at the waist, Dr Harris advises using a cushion to kneel on or a small stool to sit on 鈥� this ensures you鈥檙e bending at the knees and hips, instead of your lower back. It鈥檚 also important to make sure you get up and walk around every 10 to 15 minutes to help get some fluid movement back into the spine, taking pressure off your disks. Staying hydrated is also key 鈥� dehydrated disks are more prone to injury.

Once you鈥檙e done for the day, avoid spending the rest of the night sitting down as a reward for your hard work. Instead, try to keep moving, don鈥檛 lift anything or bend at the waist and try to keep straight 鈥� it鈥檒l provide your body with a nice cool-down.

鈥淵ou鈥檝e just inflamed your back from gardening and by sitting on the couch, it puts pressure back onto those discs, and they鈥檙e fatigued and aren鈥檛 supporting your back the way they should,鈥� Dr. Harris explains.

While these tips can help set you up for a successful garden season, a visit to your local chiropractor can help ensure your body is properly aligned, which helps your spine absorb stresses better. And a trip to Glenmore Chiropractic puts you in the right hands!

To learn more, visit them today.