Fall cleanup asks more of your body than it looks like it will. We said it this way: "Your rake is light. A whole afternoon of bending, twisting, pulling, and lifting is not." Here are the five changes we shared for leaf season, from your Royal Oak family chiropractor at Van Every Family Chiropractic Center.
Why does leaf cleanup wear you out?
Leaf cleanup is bending, twisting, pulling and lifting, repeated for hours. In our words, "Fall cleanup feels simple until your back and shoulders start keeping score." The rake itself weighs very little, but the afternoon of movement behind it is what adds up.
What are five ways to make leaf cleanup easier on your body?
There are five changes, and each one is small. Here they are as we shared them:
- Switch sides while you rake.
- Move your feet instead of twisting through your back.
- Keep bags light enough to carry close to your body.
- Take a short break before your form gets sloppy.
- Use your legs when you lift.
Notice that every one of them is about how you move, not about buying anything. You can make all five changes with the rake and bags you already own.
Why take breaks and keep the bags light?
Breaks and lighter bags both keep your form from slipping. We said to "Take a short break before your form gets sloppy," which means stopping while your movement is still good rather than after it has already fallen apart.
The same thinking applies to the bags. Keeping them light enough to carry close to your body means you are not hauling a heavy load out at arm's length at the end of a long afternoon. If you have back pain or neck pain that shows up around yard work, it is worth paying attention to these small habits.
What can a Royal Oak family chiropractor do about stiffness after yard work?
If you feel stiff after cleanup, call or text us. Our office is at 4203 Rochester Rd in Royal Oak, and families come to see us from Clawson, Berkley, Ferndale and Troy.
All three of our doctors, Dr. Anna Saylor, Dr. John Johr and Dr. Zach Conner, use all of our techniques, and each of them sees adults, children, babies and pregnant patients. You can read more about our doctors or about how we care for the whole family. Whoever in your house takes on the leaves, there is a place for them here.
Call or text (248) 616-0900, or book online.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to rake leaves without hurting your back?
We shared five changes: switch sides while you rake, move your feet instead of twisting through your back, keep bags light enough to carry close to your body, take a short break before your form gets sloppy, and use your legs when you lift.
Who can I call if I feel stiff after yard work?
Call or text Van Every Family Chiropractic Center at (248) 616-0900. We are at 4203 Rochester Rd in Royal Oak, and you can also schedule online. Dr. Anna Saylor, Dr. John Johr and Dr. Zach Conner each see adults, children and pregnant patients.
Does your Royal Oak office see the whole family?
Yes. All three of our doctors see adults, kids, babies and pregnant patients, and all three use all of our techniques. The person raking the lawn and the rest of the household can be seen at the same Royal Oak office, so one phone call covers everyone.
