Backcare tips for gardeners

Gardening can be addictive for many of us in Sussex. Take a short walk around Old Town and you'll see a plenty of well manicured lawns and cared for flower beds. As we get into the spring, with those Bank Holidays due, everything will start to grow again.

Whether you enjoy the rewards of regularly maintaining a well kept garden or you keep putting off dealing with those unruly flower beds, we all spend more time in the garden this time of year. However as many of us know to our detriment, over enthusiastic gardening can take its toll. It's all too easy to spend longer than you planned out in the garden and end up aching because of it. "Back specialists see a flood of gardening related aches this time of year," says James Revell (Doctor of Chiropractic). "As the weather improves many of us end up suffering from gardening for too long in awkward positions." Gardening is really rewarding and can be a great activity to help keep us fit. But it is all too easy to overdo it. Take it slowly to start with, until your muscles and joints get used to the increased demands. You can just throw yourself into it and "get it done" but if your muscles and joints are not used to it, then you could end up regretting it. Dr Revell has these top self help tips for our local gardeners:

Take regular breaks
Don't work for more than one hour at a time. This is particularly important if you're not used to gardening or have a lot of heavy work or bending to do.

Try to keep good posture
Don't hunch over your work. It's worth sitting, kneeling on a firm rubber mat rather than spending all day bent over. Your back won't thank you.

Bend your knees
Keep your back straight and bend your knees when lifting heavy pots etc. Just remember the basics: Back straight, knees bent, tummy tight - it works.

Listen to your body
If you start aching then stop, have a good stretch and a glass of water.

We hope you look after yourself whilst you're enjoying your garden this summer. Take a break when you need to and chill out, after all the gardening will still be there waiting for you next weekend. Information provided by Lushington Chiropractic, 01323 722499 www.chirocare.co.uk.