Fall Activities and Your Back: Simple Ways to Keep Moving Comfortably

​Fall is here! 🍂

Here in the Pacific Northwest, fall means cooler mornings, changing leaves, kids back into school and sports routines, weekends at football games, beautiful hikes, and plenty of yard work as the leaves start coming down.

​​It’s a great time of year to be active, but sometimes a change in routine can leave your back, neck, or joints feeling a little stiff or sore.

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Whether you’re spending Saturday on the sidelines, raking leaves in the backyard, heading out for a fall hike, or simply sitting more now that summer is over, a few simple habits can help you keep moving comfortably this season.

​Warm Up Before You Get to Work

You may not think of raking leaves or cleaning up the yard as exercise, but your body might disagree!

Yard work often involves bending, twisting, reaching, lifting, and repeating the same movements over and over. Before you jump in, spend a few minutes walking around and gently moving your back, shoulders, and hips.
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And if you have a big project ahead of you, resist the urge to tackle the entire thing at once. Take breaks, change positions, and give your body a chance to recover.

This video was about spring yard work, but the tips are just as important this fall!

Pay Attention to How You Lift

​Fall seems to come with plenty of things to carry. Bags of leaves, sports equipment, coolers, pumpkins, storage bins, and eventually all those holiday decorations!

When you’re lifting something heavy, keep it close to your body and use your legs rather than bending and lifting primarily from your back. When possible, turn your whole body instead of lifting and twisting at the same time.
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And if something is too heavy or awkward, get some help. Your back doesn’t need you to prove anything and will thank you if you don't! 

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Questions? Give us a call!

Don't Let the Sidelines Get the Best of You

​If you have kids in fall sports, you might spend almost as much time sitting at the field as they spend playing on it!

Bleachers and folding chairs aren’t always the most comfortable places to spend a few hours. Try to get up and walk around periodically rather than staying in one position for an entire game or tournament.
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The same goes for long stretches at your desk, in the car, or helping kids with schoolwork. Our bodies were made to move, and even short movement breaks throughout the day can make a difference in how you feel.

​Keep Moving as the Weather Gets Cooler

When the days get shorter and the weather turns rainy, it can be tempting to become a little less active.

But you don't have to give up movement just because summer is over. A fall walk, hike, indoor workout, or even a few minutes of movement throughout your day can help keep your joints and muscles moving.
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If you haven't been very active lately, start small and gradually build from there. Consistency matters more than trying to do too much all at once.

Listen to Your Body

A little muscle soreness after doing something you haven't done in a while can happen. But recurring pain, stiffness, or discomfort that keeps you from doing the things you enjoy is worth paying attention to.

At McCann Family Chiropractic, Dr. Matt looks at how your joints are moving, where motion may be restricted, and what may be contributing to the way you're feeling. Chiropractic care can help improve joint motion and mobility so you can keep doing the things you love.
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And because every person is different, your care should be different too. Dr. Matt takes the time to listen, examine what's going on, and determine an approach based on your individual needs.

​Enjoy the Season! 

Fall goes by quickly here in the Pacific Northwest. So get outside, take the walk, cheer on the kids, enjoy the changing leaves, and make the most of it!
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And if back or neck discomfort is making it harder to enjoy your favorite fall activities, we'd love to help you keep moving. 💙

​Ready to get started?

Contact Us Today!