Gardening is killing my back and knees.any advice?
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Most people take for granted the fact that they can get on their knees, and stress their back and body in any way they choose. When I was younger I felt the same way. I thought I would live forever pain free. A friend of mine told me years ago that I would someday pay for that assumption. Guess what? I have since had knee surgery on both knees and problems with my back as well. When you experience any type of pain for what ever reason your body is telling you that isn't a good thing to do. At very least it isn't the correct way to do it. I am an avid gardner as well. I still enjoy it very much. Since the knee and back surgery I have just had to find other ways to accomplish my goals. I wouldn't call myself disabled exactly. Just physically challenged. I am unable to garden from a bending position at all. I am also unable to put any pressure on my knees, even on a cushioned surface. It causes me excruciating pain. The first rule to remember is, if it's painful it is causing damage. It may take years to really manifest into something serious. Take steps now to avoid what I could have, if I had listened to my friend. My passion is all types of gardening. I try to have a vegetable garden every year. My best friend in that endeavor is technology. Love those light weight tillers! Look for things that will match your requirements and what you want to do. I installed an automatic watering system. By that I mean I went to the hardware store. Purchased some very inexpensive above ground, rotating sprinkler devices, and all I have to do is turn the water on regularly. I also have some beautiful flower gardens on the property. I suppose those are my real passion. I have found that my derrier is my friend there as I can no longer stand the pain in my knees. I have a weather resistant cushion that I can sit on, directly on the ground. Knee pads can be as harmful as no protection at all. Most of them are all but impossible to wear. They are hard, restrictive, and in my case are completely useless. As well as painful. One thing you might consider is an adjustable stool. The key word being adjustable and lightweight. I have one that is very usefull. The only drawback is the fact that I have to move it fairly often. That is the reason I chose one that is lightweight. It probably weighs 5 lbs. I still love getting into my flower gardens. As long as I can think, I will find a way.
get a garden stool, or pads for your knees
Hire a gardner or enslave a husband.
knee pads, like the ones for volleyball
Gardening stores have these great little benches that hold you at just the right height and are very easy to get up and down on. I think they cost about $45 US, which is a lot less than a chiropractor for a strained back.
Cheers.
Get a small stool or pad that you can sit on. Some stools even come with wheels so that you can roll along without constantly standing up and repositioning.
Or, you could consider planting in containers that are raised up off of the ground so you have to bend or kneel less.
Well, for your knees you can get a cushion to sit on. They make them just for gardening know. Also, they have gardening chairs that you can sit on. You can get them at Lowes or Walmart.
For your back, I really don't know because either way you will need to bend over to get to your plants.
I hope that helps a little!
Most Home Centers and Walmarts carry garden pads for your knees. I have seen the stools but think that you will still be bending over.
Take it at a step at a time. Use correct equipment to make jobs more simpler. If possible get others to help out.
stretch before gardening and take a couple aleve or ibuprofen before starting the activity
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