Alternative Community Farmer/WPB.FL

Understanding what causes lower back injuries to farmers and gardeners ,may help in the  prevention of same from happening.

Where does the lower back injury and pain occur  ?What causes the pain?What prevention methods to use?

To answer those questions from the Farmer/Gardener point of view ,we must understand   some basic anatomy and physiology of the human body  specifically about  :The structural and functional systems .Disclaimer:This is only my  personal story .If you have back injuries or pain ,please seek  help from PROFESSIONAL HEALTH PROVIDERS . The body is supported by the bone structures and functions thanks to the Muscles.Lower pain  occurs in the LUMBAR SPINE area between the L1-L5 vertebrae.The lumbar muscle gets strained triggering muscle spasm and  pain .Rushing to take pain killer pills and treating the symptoms is not enough.

Understanding how to take charge of our own body is our own responsibilty.Prevention is the key to radiant HEALTH.

I found out that we are not given enough education to do so on our own, as farmers.I am lucky because I am a certified massage therapist ,as well.I have learned how to use my body weight and proper garden ergonomics to stay fit in my garden .Here is how:

What I usually do when I am gardening is start with breathing exercises to warm up my body.Putting my MUSCLES to work right away as they are cold is an invitation to injury.Warm them up!

Going through my farming chores like Digging,Weeding,Bending to sow or harvest,Pulling or Pushing a wheel barrel/cart,and Lifting heavy soil bags for example -I learned to use my body weight and proper functional movements to stay fit.

Those functional movements included:

1-Using my lower body muscles and legs, like instead of doing repetitive spinal bending I use my knees and lower part of my body like in lifting loads .I keep stuff close to my body and my  back spine alignment  at a perpendicular angle to the ground..Working with the gravity of the earth rather than against it.

2-I ballance my movements by alternating the use of upper and lower body and right and left arms accordingly.Harmoney works  internally  like in homeostasis as well as externally like in utilizing muscular  dynamics .

3-I use proper ergonomic tools.You can find those tools on line.Careful not to fall into the shopping until you drop mood.I usually go shopping instead:Drop by drop or one garden tool at a time and I  learn as I go! 

I have tried garden ergonomics and it works for me..My back is right on the track...Give it a try.

Have a HEALTHY Farming Day!

Tony