Why Gardening Doesn't Have to Give You Lower Back Pain

Tips to preventing aches and pains Gardening may seem peaceful and slow-paced, but it’s hard work for your body — especially if you struggle with chronic pain. That’s why it’s important to take the smart approach and use all of the tricks and tools available to help you. Pain management specialist shares five tips for avoiding injuries and minimizing the impact of gardening on your body: 1. Start with the best medicine — prevention Gardening is a strenuous activity that works a lot of muscles and joints. It involves a range of motions, including standing, leaning, kneeling, crouching, bending over, squatting, twisting and lifting. Strong core muscles and flexibility are key to preventing injuries that may happen during gardening, such as lower back pain, strained shoulders or pulled leg muscles. A sedentary lifestyle, including sitting for long periods of time, can weaken core muscles and quadriceps (the large muscle at the front of the thigh). Becoming more