Mulching in the spring time is as common as gardening and planting veggies. It makes the house look amazing by adding that last finishing touch. It can give attractive curb appeal to any real estate. Unfortunately, if you are not careful, mulching can also wreak havoc on your back.
Yesterday was an absolutely beautiful day. Although the temperature was in the 90s, it felt great to be in the sun. I started the day trimming the bushes around the yard and putting the finishing touches in the front garden bed. My neighbor across the street was working away too. I noticed they had his truck full of mulch and a highly efficient team of four mulching the yard.
I knew that mulching was on my list of things to do in the near future, so I walked over to ask if buying in bulk was easier than buying the bags. After a short conversation two of our problems were solved immediately. They had too much mulch and nowhere to put it, and I had empty flower beds that needed it. After 30-60 minutes of spreading the remaining mulch in my yard, both parties were finished for the day.
Unfortunately, I woke up this morning with a souvenir from yesterday’s hard work. A little reminder that lifting heavy bins of mulch, and bending over to spread it, can wreak havoc on your back. My left sacroiliac joint feels like a knife is stuck in it. Certain steps nearly bring me to my knees. Fortunately, I know just how to fix it. In lieu of sitting around in agony today, I will follow these suggestions to help relieve the pain:
Tips to Help Relieve the Pain When Mulching Wreaks Havoc on Your Back
Stretch – Lay on your back and bring your knees to your chest to stretch your low back. Also stretch the backs of your legs and your piriformis muscles.
Foam Roll – Use the foam roller on the low back muscles, but more importantly on your glutes. The trigger points in the gluteal muscles can cause an added sense of pain and discomfort.
Hydrate – Drink a lot of water throughout the day. Start the day with 8 oz before eating or drinking anything else. Even if you think you drink enough water, you might want to add a little more.
Supplement – I do not take a lot of supplements, but I will double up on the ones that I do take. I will have an extra ginger and turmeric pill. I will also add an extra magnesium and an extra scoop of powdered organic greens.
Adjustments – I will be scheduling a chiropractic adjustment first thing Monday morning. All of the above suggestions will help manage the pain, but the chiropractic adjustment is the only treatment that will fix the sacroiliac joint restriction.
I hope you have enjoyed your weekend and the beautiful weather. Remember to lift with your knees instead of your back when mulching. Also, limit your time bending over to spread the mulch. Even if you do all of the right thinks, just know that mulching can still cause you to have back pain. There is no need to worry about the pain. Follow the tips above to get better and sit back, relax, and enjoy your new beautiful yard.
Dr Spencer Charlet
Chiropractor in Mooresville
704-663-7625
