Tend to Your Garden - and Your Spine - This Season
It’s that time of year again: the sun is out, the soil is warm, and gardens all across Rhode Island are springing to life. Whether you’re planting colorful flowers, growing vegetables, or simply weeding your beds, gardening can be a joyful and rewarding way to spend your days outdoors.
But before you grab your gloves and trowel, it’s important to remember that gardening can also be surprisingly tough on your back if you’re not careful. Hours spent bending, lifting, and kneeling can lead to aches, stiffness, or even injury. Fortunately, a few simple habits can help you protect your spine while enjoying your time in the dirt.
First, whenever you need to lift something—whether it’s a heavy bag of soil or a potted plant—be sure to bend with your knees, not your waist. Squatting down keeps the load closer to your body and allows your strong leg muscles to do the work, sparing your back from strain.
When working at ground level, try to use long-handled tools when possible. This helps you avoid hunching over for extended periods. If you do need to kneel, consider using a cushioned pad and switch positions regularly to keep from overstressing your lower back.
And here’s a tip many gardeners overlook: take short stretch breaks every 30 minutes or so. A quick walk around your yard or a few gentle stretches can keep you limber and help prevent stiffness later in the day.
Gardening should be a source of joy, not discomfort. By moving mindfully and giving your spine the care it deserves, you’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful, pain-free planting season. Your flowers—and your back—will thank you.
From all of us at BSNI, wishing you happy, healthy gardening! 🌻🌿
By the Brain and Spine Neurosurgical Institute of Rhode Island
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