Leading Rheumatologist Offers Tips to Prevent Seasonal Back Aches

(PRWEB) December 12, 2008 -- Those lazy days of summer have ended and it's time to "prepare your back" for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. Whether it's raking leaves, shoveling snow, or cleaning out the garage, your back muscles will be strained and abused. For those not prepared, this will mean getting a backache.

"Fortunately, with attention to proper techniques and exercise, you can help to prevent seasonal back pain," said Dr. Keith Reich, a board-certified rheumatologist and contributing editor to OurHealthNetwork.com. Here are a few tips that Dr. Reich shares with his patients who are prone to back pain:

Do not rake, shovel, or lift heavy objects first thing in the morning. Move around a bit and "loosen up." The back is most vulnerable to injury after being at rest all night.
Do warm-up and stretching exercises just before beginning the job. Dr. Reich describes several stretches you can do at http://www.OurHealthNetwork.com/backpain .
Try not to twist your spine. If you need to reach for something, turn your entire body, rather than twist. Twisting along with bending will severely stress the spine and back muscles.
Do not use rakes and shovels that are too heavy for you.
If you need to lift a heavy load, get help.
Take frequent breaks and stretch your back in the opposite direction (lean backward).

Raking leaves and shoveling snow are strenuous activities that, if done properly, will help you burn extra calories and give you a good cardiac workout. If done improperly though, you will experience hours of back pain. If you follow these tips, you will enjoy your raking and shoveling "work outs:"

Raking Tips:
Stand straight and walk to the leaves, instead of bending at the waist to reach them.
Once you have the leaves under the rake, pull them straight back toward you. Don¹t twist your body to get another load of leaves.
Avoid overuse injury to the back and shoulders by switching sides every few minutes. Rake ten minutes left-handed and another ten minutes right-handed.

Snow Shoveling Tips:
Lifting a shovelful of snow should be done with your knees, not your back. Keep your back straight, bend your knees, and lift the snow by straightening your knees.
Lift smaller loads of snow rather than heavy shovelfuls.
Turn your entire body and step in the direction in which you are throwing the snow. Do not just twist at the waist and throw. Twisting and throwing a heavy load will cause early back fatigue and make the back susceptible to severe injuries.

Heavy Object Lifting Tips:
Wear proper shoes with good traction.
Wear a lifting belt or back brace.
Stand close to the object you wish to lift.
Bend at the knees, not at the waist. Keep your back and neck straight so that your head and eyes are directed forward and not down.
Contract the stomach muscles, and hold the object close to your body.
Lift slowly by standing straight up (un-bending your knees). Allow your legs to lift the weight.

Dr. Reich's Warm-Up Exercises:
From the waist, bend forward, backward, and to each side, holding each position for ten seconds. Repeat ten times.
Semi-sit ups are great for the abdominal and back muscles. Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet on the floor. Raise your head and shoulders off the floor. Hold for ten seconds. Repeat five times.
Walk around the yard several times.
Do several circular arm and neck movements.

When the job is finished, Dr. Reich suggests taking some time out for yourself, and treating your muscles to a warm, soothing bath. This is good therapy for your mind, as well as your back!

About Dr. Keith Reich:
Dr. Keith Reich, a graduate of Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, is a board-certified internist and rheumatologist. Dr. Reich joined OurHealthNetwork.com in 2005 and serves as a contributing editor. Dr. Reich completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and fellowships in rheumatology at St. Vincent Hospital and the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Dr. Reich is active in clinical research and lectures nationally teaching other physicians the art and science of rheumatology. He is a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists and the American College of Rheumatology.

About OurHealthNetwork.com:
OurHealthNetwork.com provides reliable information about many common medical conditions, and is a convenient source for affordable high-quality healthcare products frequently not available to consumers in drug stores. OurHealthNetwork.com has helped millions of visitors from all 50 U.S. states and more than 30 other countries around the world ease their pain. For more information, visit http://www.OurHealthNetwork.com .

For more information, including explanations of the doctors' tips, please contact John Moroney at 312-373-9294 or media at OurHealthNetwork.com