Raking Can Wreck Your Back

Fall is the time for raking all those leaves, but if your spine is out of alignment, raking and sweeping can trigger acute episodes of back pain.

A few precautions can help you enjoy the season healthy and pain-free:

Alternating sides when raking can prevent strain on one side of the back.
Be careful when bending to pick up bundles of leaves. Always bend with the knees slightly bent and facing forward, not turned to one side.
When moving, don’t twist the back. Move your feet so the whole body turns together.

The best way to prepare for it is to have your spine checked by your family chiropractor before you rake. A little tune-up now can help you avoid weeks of recovery from a back sprain.