Taking Care of your back on the farm
The physical nature of farm labor has been a source of aches and pains for as long as agriculture has existed. Improvements such as air-ride seats and hydraulics have greatly decreased the incidence of many injuries, but they don’t cure all the problems.
A great deal of ailments can be blamed on the upper back requirement of the work. Shoveling in particular is one of the worst jobs for promoting wear and tear. For good health, try to limit the duration and frequency of times you shovel. Always remember NOT to twist your body while holding a shovelful, turn your whole body with your legs and throw. Do this and decrease the possibility of ending face down in whatever you happen to be shoveling.
Riding in the tractor is a very common cause of pain that we see in the office, especially during haying and fall seasons. Molehills, watching the bailer over one’s shoulder, or driving through drainage ditches or ruts are the most notorious culprits of tractor related back pain. Although tractors continually get better at limiting these types of problems, tires and air seats do not cure them all. Decreasing speed over rough terrain, altering your position while in the tractor seat, and taking frequent breaks are some of the most useful tips to maintaining good back health.
No matter what type of work that needs to be done, be it changing cultivator shovels or jumping a fence to get away from that ornery cow, a good stretch a couple of times a day and taking your time even when things are rushed are the best ways to stay away from aches and pains.
A great deal of ailments can be blamed on the upper back requirement of the work. Shoveling in particular is one of the worst jobs for promoting wear and tear. For good health, try to limit the duration and frequency of times you shovel. Always remember NOT to twist your body while holding a shovelful, turn your whole body with your legs and throw. Do this and decrease the possibility of ending face down in whatever you happen to be shoveling.
Riding in the tractor is a very common cause of pain that we see in the office, especially during haying and fall seasons. Molehills, watching the bailer over one’s shoulder, or driving through drainage ditches or ruts are the most notorious culprits of tractor related back pain. Although tractors continually get better at limiting these types of problems, tires and air seats do not cure them all. Decreasing speed over rough terrain, altering your position while in the tractor seat, and taking frequent breaks are some of the most useful tips to maintaining good back health.
No matter what type of work that needs to be done, be it changing cultivator shovels or jumping a fence to get away from that ornery cow, a good stretch a couple of times a day and taking your time even when things are rushed are the best ways to stay away from aches and pains.