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When we have back pain, sometimes activities around the house and garden can be difficult for us. If we’re having an acute episode of pain then it makes sense to reduce what we do in the short term until we are able to move more confidently and get back to our normal tasks.

Sometimes provocative tasks involve ones when we are lifting and bending, such as lifting children, hoovering the carpet or weeding the flower bed.If these do provoke you, then reduce them for a while before slowly building them back into your life again. It’s important for the health of the back that it moves well in all directions: long term avoidance of movements and load is not recommended.

For many people, gardening is an enjoyable hobby that allows them to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and get back to nature in the great outdoors.

Gardening is sometimes associated with back pain, and if it is for you, then you might need some tips to help your back get fitter.

Take a moment to warm up and get you back moving
Think about what you have to do that day, and have you been keeping fit recently?The body does not like big changes in exercise, so if you’ve not done much over the winter, then gradually build your fitness over the spring.
Supplementing gardening or DIY with an overall exercise program is a great way to keep the back and body healthy.
It’s important we’re fit to lift, so if you’re not used to heavy lifting then you may need to plan you tasks better and either split the weights up or get some help.
Ensure you're wearing loose, casual clothing and sensible shoes
Lift close to the body and pick up and set down using the powerful leg muscles.
Wheelbarrows can be really helpful to make things easier for you, try using it to help with heavier tasks.
If you are tired, have a break to recuperate.Lifting while tried has been shown to be one of the few risk factors for getting pain with lifting. Gardening is a great way to get fit, but be realistic with how fit you are and act accordingly.

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Gardening and DIY