Fall Activities That Can Cause a Back or Neck Injury
As the leaves begin to change and the air cools, many of us eagerly engage in traditional fall activities. However, while these seasonal pastimes can be enjoyable, they also come with potential risks for back and neck injuries.
Here’s a closer look at some of these activities and how they might affect your back and/or neck health:
- Raking Leaves: This seemingly harmless chore can strain your back muscles, especially if you have poor posture or use incorrect techniques. Twisting, reaching, and bending for prolonged periods can lead to muscle sprains and even disc injuries.
- Fall Sports: Sports like football, soccer, and volleyball are in full swing during the autumn months. Quick, sudden movements, tackles, or even awkward landings can result in sprains, strains, or more serious spinal injuries.
- Picking Pumpkins: Bending over repeatedly or lifting heavy pumpkins without proper form can strain your lower back. Always bend at your knees, not your waist, and use your leg muscles to lift.
- Ladder Usage: Whether you’re picking apples or cleaning gutters, using a ladder increases the risk of falls. A fall from even a low height can result in severe back or neck injuries.
- Slippery Surfaces: Wet leaves or early frost can make walkways and steps slippery. A simple slip can cause a jarring impact to the spine or a painful twist to the neck or back.
- Heavy Fall Clothing and Gear: Carrying heavy backpacks filled with school books or wearing heavy boots can alter your posture and gait, adding strain to the back and neck.
- Hiking: Uneven terrains, steep inclines, or carrying a heavy backpack can cause muscle strains or aggravate existing back conditions.
So, before you partake in any of these activities, be sure that you know how to protect yourself.
Virginia Spine Specialists is an award-winning, minimally invasive spinal care practice with locations in Fredericksburg, VA and Manassas, VA. We also serve these Northern and Central Virginia locations: Haymarket, Gainesville, Culpepper, Front Royal, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Colonial Beach, Tappahannock and Lake Anna.
