Avoid Fall Related Injuries: Chiropractic Tips for Safe Raking and Yard Work
Every year, Chiropractors experience an influx of patients who have injured themselves while completing their annual fall yard cleanup. Raking leaves, pruning trees, cleaning gutters, and general lifting and bending can create a perfect environment for back injuries, strains, sprains, or falls. Using leaf blowers, ladders, rakes, and carrying heavy bags requires a thoughtful plan to prevent injuries. And you know, as Chiropractors, we like to focus on prevention!
Preparation through this short list can help you make preventative choices. However, I encourage you to see us before you begin any heavy end-of-season yard work to develop a plan best suited to you.
- Stretch. What is a list from a chiropractor without starting with a light stretch? Remaining agile is always your first line of defense. Stretch your shoulders, back, wrists, and neck briefly. These areas are the most susceptible to yard work-related injuries.
- Hydrate. As the weather becomes cooler compared to a scorching summer, you may not feel the same need to stay hydrated. Hydrating will prevent dizziness and help your joints and muscles remain malleable while working.
- Dress for the occasion. Fall weather is unpredictable, so check the weather report before planning your tasks. Wear comfortable clothing that you won’t overheat in. Light layers work best, and ensuring long sleeves and pants will help protect you from bugs/ticks. Closed-toed shoes are a must (for obvious reasons) and work/garden gloves protect your hands.
- Do you have protective gear? Sunscreen is item number one on this list; too many people lose sight of UV rays as the weather changes. Glasses or goggles, depending on what tasks you are taking care of, along with back, knee, or wrist braces, are helpful. And don’t forget the earplugs if you are using blowers or chainsaws.
- Posture and ergonomics. Good posture often begins in the store when you are purchasing your equipment. Choose shovels, rakes, blowers, etc., that are comfortable for you. Be mindful of your posture, and avoid hunching over or lifting by bending your waist. Always lift at the knees, using the strongest parts of your legs to lift items. Ensure you are using both sides of your body equally if you can; this can help prevent extra soreness or overworking muscles on one side.
- Use caution when using a ladder. If using a ladder to remove leaves and debris from your gutters, make sure it’s sturdy with no loose hinges or screws. Be sure to place it on a firm, level surface, and ensure it is fully open and locked. Wear shoes with nonslip soles when climbing, and ask someone to hold the ladder in place if you can. Always face toward the ladder when climbing and descending, and never sit or stand above the level indicated by the manufacturer.
When You’re Finished
When your yard work is complete, call us for an appointment. Year-round maintenance applies to your body as well!
Can Chiropractic Care Help With a Concussion? Here’s What You Need to Know
A sudden bump or blow to the head can easily cause a concussion. A concussion is something we commonly hear about in sports. However, a concussion may commonly be caused by mild car accidents, falls while doing everyday tasks, or if you work in an environment that exposes you to the possibility of violent experiences, like in policing, firefighting, or corrections.
When you suffer a head injury, it can lead to injuries that occur at a cellular level. With that being said, concussions can be severe and cause long-lasting or permanent damage.
Symptoms of a Concussion
A concussion can be mild or severe. However, concussions all have overarching themes or symptoms that include:
- Blurry vision
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Memory loss
- Slurred speech
- Tinnitus
- Sleep issues
- Poor concentration
- Poor taste or smell
- Extreme fatigue
- Irritability
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Light sensitivity
People who suffer from concussions may not realize that many of these symptoms may show up hours, days, or even weeks later. Physical symptoms often arise sooner than cognitive symptoms and are easier to recognize immediately. Post-concussion symptoms can last indefinitely; they can fade and reappear, and they can cause a considerable amount of disruption to your life.
The Most Important Step in Concussion Care
The most crucial step is to seek medical care immediately. Symptoms that include temporary loss of consciousness, uneven pupils, seizures, intense headaches, or repeated vomiting require urgent medical attention. Once this is established, longer-term outpatient care can take place.
What Can a Chiropractor Do?
As a Chiropractor, we can further treat all the secondary concerns. Any dysfunction in the musculoskeletal or nervous systems can be addressed with adjustments.
The medical team will diagnose and ensure further catastrophic damage is not done while prescribing medications for pain and inflammation. We will address the root cause of pain and inflammation while relieving possible spinal cord or vertebrae dysfunctions. It is common for a concussion to create spinal misalignments.
Treating this aspect of your injury is a critical step toward your recovery.
The Next Step is Helping Yourself Heal
There are three components to healing a concussion at home. These include:
- Rest. Your body requires rest; any added stress will impede your healing process.
- Time. After the immediate medical needs are addressed, many of your symptoms may resolve. Although there is no cure for a concussion, your medical team, including us, can help your body function and heal optimally.
- Be gentle with yourself. Patience will give your body and mind a break, precisely what you need to heal.
A concussion is not just a sports-related injury, and it can have severe consequences that should be taken seriously.
If you suspect you have a concussion, please ensure that you advocate for the best medical care and call us for help in healing. Traumatic brain injuries are treatable, and with adequate care, you can make a full recovery. You and your brain deserve it.
