Raking Leaves? Avoid Back Injuries!

A recent spine wellness blog entry provided helpful tips for avoiding back injuries when raking your leaves. Now that leaf raking is probably on everyone’s to do list – here are a few reminders to avoid back injuries and back pain.

Remember to view raking as exercise; and warm up before you start. Avoid twisting and overreaching – Step side to side using your legs to move and not just your arms. Additionally, try to keep your back upright.
Switch sides – To avoid an overuse injury; use both arms when raking. Try to switch sides every 10 minutes or so.

Once your leaves are bagged; you need to remember to avoid back injuries while lifting! Use proper lifting techniques, squat down and do not bend over. Do not lift with your back. Do not overfill the bags so that they are too heavy. And if you need to move the bags far, use a wheelbarrow.

For more infomration, link to the spine wellness fact sheet.