Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Minges Creek Chiropractic

3200 Capital Ave SW,

BATTLE CREEK, MI 49015 US

269-979-2000

Open mobile navigation
  • Welcome
  • New Patients
    • What to Expect
    • Online Forms
    • Health Resources
    • Payment Options
  • About Us
    • Meet Dr. Douglas Gordon
    • Services & Techniques
    • Our Wellness Partners
  • Testimonials
  • Video Vault
  • Office Hours
  • Contact
    • Map & Phone
    • Find us on Facebook!
  • Dr. Gordon's Blog
  • Community Content
    • We May Help You With
      • Auto Accident Injuries
      • Back and Shoulder Pain
      • Body Pain
      • Chronic Disease Relief
      • Conditions Affecting Women
      • Headaches
      • Herniated Discs
      • Improved Health
      • Pediatric Ailments
      • Repetitive Use Injuries
      • Respiratory Function
    • About Chiropractic Care
      • What is Chiropractic
      • How Does it Work
      • Who is Chiropractic For
      • Vertebral Subluxation
      • Wellness Resources
    • Chiropractic Techniques
    • Chiropractic Therapies
    • Life is Motion
    • Healthy Thinking
      • Get Positive
      • Relaxation Techniques
    • Wellness Lifestyle Tips
      • Treat Yourself Well
      • Treat Others Well
      • Eat Well
    • Wellness Essentials
      • At Home
      • At Work
      • Exercise
      • Nutrition
      • What You Wear
    • Wellness Perspectives
      • Social
      • Physical
      • Spiritual
      • Mental
    • Wellness4Kids
    • Newsletter Library
      • Weight Loss
      • Staying Motivated
      • Staying Young
      • Life-Work Balance
      • Stress & Anxiety
      • Mind-Body Connection
      • Wellness
      • Pregnancy & Parenting
      • Back, Body & Joint Pain
      • Senior Health
      • Healthy Tips
      • Exercise & Fitness
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Nutrition & Healthy Eating
      • Injury Rehab & Prevention
      • Breaking Bad Habits
      • Kid's Health
      • Illness Prevention
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • How to Enjoy Summertime Activities Without Back Pain

How to Enjoy Summertime Activities Without Back Pain

  • Created in Newsletter Library

Woman experiencing back pain in the while harvesting fruit

Summer Activities That Can Lead to Back Pain

Now that it's summertime, many of us are catching up on yard work and enjoying outdoor activities. Unfortunately, back pain can be a consequence if you work or play too hard and don't follow a few simple back precautions. These activities are common causes of back pain.

Gardening and Yard Work

Weeding, mowing, planting, raking, and other lawn and garden tasks can take a toll on the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints in your back. Muscles in your back can be strained when you lift heavy bags of mulch or gravel, while stiffness and muscle spasms may be a consequence of sitting in the same position for hours when planting flowers and shrubs.

Following a few of these tips can help you avoid back pain:

  • Ask for help when lifting heavy items or use a wheelbarrow or dolly to move items safely from one place to another.
  • Take frequent breaks when painting or planting to prevent your back from stiffening up.
  • Don't twist your body when you lift or dig.
  • Use your arm and leg muscles to push your mower. Better yet, consider buying a riding mower if you have a big yard.
  • Raise your flower beds to reduce the amount of bending you'll need to do to tend to your plants.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Road trips are a summer tradition for many American families. Unfortunately, spending hours sitting in a car (or plane or train) can cause back pain and stiffness. If your vehicle's seat isn't comfortable, use cushions that provide lumbar (low back) and neck support.

Make time in your schedule for frequent stops if you're traveling by car. If you're a passenger on a plane or train, get up from your seat and take a walk through the car or cabin every two hours. Walking not only helps you avoid back pain, but may also decrease your risk of a blood clot due to inactivity.

Golf, Tennis, and Other Sports or Outdoor Activities

Swinging a golf club, tennis racquet, or baseball bat can strain your back muscles and joints, particularly if your form is off or your posture is bad. According to the American Chiropractic Association, a force equal to 10 times your body weight is exerted on your spine during a golf swing. Playing these sports may also increase your risk of elbow and hip pain.

Working with a professional or coach can help you ensure that you're using the best form when you swing. If you don't have a pro or coach, you'll find plenty of information on stances, swings, and body mechanics in online videos.

Hiking or biking may also increase your risk of back pain or injuries. If you're a hiker, make sure you wear hiking shoes or boots that offer adequate support for your feet. You can also use a walking stick to improve your balance and reduce pressure on your back.

Spending hours in one position during a long bike ride may lead to back spasms and a reduced range of motion. Make sure your bike is the right size for your body. If you have to stretch to reach the handlebars or the seat is too high, you're more likely to strain your lower back.

Spectator Sports

You don't actually have to participate in a sport to suffer a sports-related injury. In fact, just watching the game can be a painful experience.

If your back hurts after spending a few hours at your child's sporting event, the seats may be to blame. Bleachers or uncomfortable seats can increase pressure on your lower back and trigger painful inflammation. If you'll be a frequent spectator this summer, avoid back pain by bringing a portable stadium seat with an attached back, and stand and stretch at regular intervals.

Chiropractic Care Helps You Avoid Summer Back Pain

Regular chiropractic treatments will keep your spine properly aligned and your muscles, ligaments, and tendons loose and flexible. Your visits may include several types of treatments, including massage, ice and cold therapy, transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS), traction, and spinal manipulation and mobilization.

Treatments are tailored to your specific sport or activity. For example, chiropractic treatments can correct postural imbalances that improve your golf swing and help you avoid back pain. Does your favorite sport involve running or jumping? Your chiropractor can create a treatment plan that helps reduce strain on your joints and muscles.

Are you tired of living with back pain? Scheduling regular chiropractic visits this summer offers a simple solution. Contact our office to make your appointment.

Sources:

American Chiropractic Association: Chiropractic and Golf — A Winning Combination, 1/7/16

Palmer College of Chiropractic: Sports Chiropractic

SPINE-Health: Chiropractic Treatment for Lower Back Pain

  • We May Help You With
    • Auto Accident Injuries
    • Back and Shoulder Pain
    • Body Pain
    • Chronic Disease Relief
    • Conditions Affecting Women
    • Headaches
    • Herniated Discs
    • Improved Health
    • Pediatric Ailments
    • Repetitive Use Injuries
    • Respiratory Function
  • About Chiropractic Care
    • What is Chiropractic
    • How Does it Work
    • Who is Chiropractic For
    • Vertebral Subluxation
    • Wellness Resources
  • Chiropractic Techniques
  • Chiropractic Therapies
  • Life is Motion
  • Healthy Thinking
    • Get Positive
    • Relaxation Techniques
  • Wellness Lifestyle Tips
    • Treat Yourself Well
    • Treat Others Well
    • Eat Well
  • Wellness Essentials
    • At Home
    • At Work
    • Exercise
    • Nutrition
    • What You Wear
  • Wellness Perspectives
    • Social
    • Physical
    • Spiritual
    • Mental
  • Wellness4Kids
  • Newsletter Library
    • Weight Loss
    • Staying Motivated
    • Staying Young
    • Life-Work Balance
    • Stress & Anxiety
    • Mind-Body Connection
    • Wellness
    • Pregnancy & Parenting
    • Back, Body & Joint Pain
    • Senior Health
    • Healthy Tips
    • Exercise & Fitness
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Nutrition & Healthy Eating
    • Injury Rehab & Prevention
    • Breaking Bad Habits
    • Kid's Health
    • Illness Prevention

Sign up using the form below or call 269-979-2000 to make an appointment.

Featured Services

Click to Find Out More

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.

  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!

  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:30 AM-12:30 PM

2:00 PM-5:00 PM

Tuesday:

8:30 AM-12:30 PM

2:00 PM-5:00 PM

Wednesday:

8:30 AM-12:30 PM

2:00 PM-5:00 PM

Thursday:

8:30 AM-12:30 PM

2:00 PM-5:00 PM

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonial

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "I'd had my pain for over 3 years, and nothing had helped. Since seeing Dr. Gordon, I sleep better, walk better, and I don't have the pain at work. Minges Creek Chiropractic is a very friendly environment, my appointments are very efficient, and I am always well cared for when I am there. I've referred many of my friends and family there already. Thanks!"
    Yvonne N. Battle Creek, MI

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

    Is it Time to See a Chiropractor?

    Are you struggling with aches and pain? A chiropractic adjustment may offer the solution to your problems. ...

    Read More

    Stop Work-Related Back Pain

    Does your back ache after a day at work? These tips can help you avoid back pain. ...

    Read More

    Common Causes of Back Pain

    Is your back killing you? Find out what could be to blame for your pain. ...

    Read More

    The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Recovery Sports Injuries

    Chiropractic care can help you get off the sidelines after a sports injury. ...

    Read More

    Relieve Chronic Stress With Chiropractic Care

    Preventing stress-related pain can be as simple as scheduling regular chiropractic appointments. ...

    Read More

    Adjusting to a New Year

    Want to stay healthier this year? Chiropractic offers a natural solution. ...

    Read More

    Winter Activities that Can Cause Pain and How to Prevent It

    Do you know how to avoid winter aches and pains? ...

    Read More

    Does Your Pain Worsen During the Winter? Cold Weather May Be To Blame

    Struggling with a painful chronic condition? Winter weather may worsen your pain. ...

    Read More

    Relieving Stress and Pain During Holiday Celebrations

    Want to avoid aches and pains and lower stress this holiday season? Try chiropractic care! ...

    Read More

    Debunking Common Chiropractic Myths

    Have you been wondering if everything you've heard about chiropractic treatment is true? Check out these common myths. ...

    Read More

Newsletter Sign Up

Sign up for more articles

Follow Us

  • Copyright © 2021 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map