Archive for Friday, October 22, 2010

Raking leaves in Autumn can cause hurt and sore backs, follow these tips to prevent this from happening.

* You should stretch for 5-10 minutes before going outside or a short walk can stimulate circulation and help to warm up muscles as well. Cold muscles are easier to injure because they do not contract and relax readily.

* Avoid bending and twisting simultaneously. This creates leverage on your low back and can easily result in straining muscles and spraining the ligaments.

* Use a “scissors stance”. Place your right foot forward and left foot back for a few minutes and then reverse. Also switch the rake from side to side, which helps prevent overusing just one side of your body.

* Alternate your raking from front to back as well as side to side (like sweeping a br0om). This will vary the muscles you use, helping to prevent overuse and fatigue.

* Rake your leaves onto a large blanket or a tarp and then drag these rather than carry your leaves. Bend at your knees and not at your waist and make piles manageable.

You can read my full article here for more tips and information.

Yours in health,

Dr. Konicki

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