Again Spring not only brings May flowers, but patients to the doctors office complaining of sore backs. One of America's favorite hobbies, gardening, can also cause a common problem, pain. It is believed that 80 to 90 percent of adults will experience back pain at one time or another. To make sure gardening doesn't become a back-breaking pastime, follow these common sense guidelines. One way to avoid back pain is through overall physical fitness, especially strengthening of the back and abdominal muscles.
Strong abdominals improve posture and help prevent low back pain.
It is also a good idea to perform simple stretches before undertaking any strenuous activity. If you are bent over while weeding, make sure to change positions frequently by getting up and walking around. Vary repetitive motions, such as shoveling dirt, with other activities. Stop before you strain. As the day wears on and you get tired, you are more likely to injure yourself.