Tips to Avoid Back Pain While Raking

Raking leaves is nearly unavoidable in the fall in Michigan, so learning how to rake without hurting your back is extremely important. Following these tips can benefit your back over the next couple of months. 

Warm up ‒ Giving your body proper time to prime your muscles before exercise is incredibly important. As the weather gets colder, you need more time to properly warm up your muscles, so consider going for a walk or jog and stretching before raking (Avoid stretching before warming up, as stretching cold muscles could lead to injury). 

Be aware of your posture ‒ Good form when raking will help stave off back pain. Be sure to bend your knees slightly and reach with your arms, not with your back. Avoid twisting your back and any other awkward body positions that could strain your spine. 

Switch hands ‒ Repetitive motion is a key cause of injury. Spend equal time raking on both sides can help alleviate this. 

Pace yourself ‒ People often want to get all their raking done quickly to get it out of the way, but it’s important to take breaks and rest during a long day of raking. If you have a big yard, taking it slow will be better for your back. 

See more common raking mistakes!

If your back pain persists after following these tips, it might be time to find a chiropractor. 

Find a Chiropractor in Ann Arbor 

Trying to find a chiropractor in Ann Arbor to manage your pain? Call Thatcher Chiropractic & Laser today! 734-663-2300 

How Raking Can Lead to Back Pain

Fall in Ann Arbor means the return of Michigan Football and trips to cider mills, but it also means the return of raking.  

The strain that raking puts on your back and the repetition can lead to serious pain, so it’s important to be proactive to prevent damage. Here are some potential causes of back pain: 

• Poor raking form: Bending and reaching at uncomfortable angles will put stress on your back. 
• Overuse: Repetitive motions can put extra wear and tear on your back.  
• Lack of rest: Trying to tackle your whole yard at once might not be a good idea. 
• Poor quality rake: Using a bad rake can cause you to overexert yourself, and could contribute to poor form. 

Visit our website for more raking tips!

If you (and your back) are dreading another season of raking, it might be time to find a chiropractor to set your back on the right track. 

At Thatcher Chiropractic & Laser, we specialize in simple, effective solutions to our patients’ needs. With nearly 40 years of experience, Dr. Bill Thatcher knows how to provide pain relief. 

Starting out involves a detailed examination and scan of your spine, including a chiropractic adjustment. Follow-up appointments are much quicker, and usually involve a simple adjustment. 

Find a Chiropractor in Ann Arbor 

Trying to find a chiropractor in Ann Arbor to manage your pain? Call Thatcher Chiropractic & Laser today! 734-663-2300