Stiff as a board, and I'm talking about myself

[SaraJH]

So, I have a spinal condition that means that I suffer from terrible lower back ache if I either stand, sit or squat for any length of time.

I am aware of this and can therefore manage it. Mostly by stretching and looking like a pillock when in public

Legs, however have never previously given me a problem. This evening my leg muscles and tendons feel very very short. Stretching is very painful.

Genuine question, do you all loosen up/ warm up before gardening? I guess that given my back issues I am over compensating with my legs, hence feeling tight this evening.

How do you all minimise the aches and pains that come with gardening?

[Bigmallly]

Like yourself Sara & I suppose many other gardeners I also suffer with lower back issues, I think you need to know your own limitations, what you can & cannot do. You obviously know how to control the pain whether it be medication, heat packs, ice packs or exercise. I find a nice hot bath can help.

[KevinM67]

Right, before you lot start (and I'm mainly talking about the males on here) - this is a family forum.

When I go to the plot - I make sure that jobs are varied (plus I have a couple of 'tonics' at hand for rest times).

This means doing the odd bit of digging, hoeing, clearing, sowing, planting - and also a bit of diy, building, repairing, etc.

I'm getting to an age (my username number sort of gives it away), where I can't really blooter into things which I might have done 10/20 years ago.

I suppose I'm really saying is - everything has to be in moderation.

I now sound like my mum.

[Bigmallly]

Haven't the foggiest what you just said Kev but makes perfect sense to me...............

[SaraJH]

Like yourself Sara & I suppose many other gardeners I also suffer with lower back issues, I think you need to know your own limitations, what you can & cannot do. You obviously know how to control the pain whether it be medication, heat packs, ice packs or exercise. I find a nice hot bath can help.

Thanks BM, and yes, I can manage my back, it's just that since gardening my legs have felt really 'short and stiff' so I was wondering what I can do to prevent that.

I'm 46 years old and until 2 years ago I was a horse rider so I'm just learning what muscles I now need to exercise to be pain free. With the horses I used my leg muscles every day but now they are less used I guess I need to use them more.

[KevinM67]

Haven't the foggiest what you just said Kev but makes perfect sense to me...............

I'm sorry BM - it's just the way my (long gone) childish mind read the thread title.

[Bigmallly]

GYO certainly lets you find out what muscles you have that you had forgotten about. Kev is spot on regarding not overdoing one particular task, just spend a half hour or so doing one job then move onto a different task that requires the use of different muscles.

[Thelma Sanders]

It's difficult in early spring when I want to get on, but I can do very little until temps warm up. A cold wind on back or knees and i'm done for - it's just not worth the pain.
Sometimes the only jobs that get done are in the greenhouse, where it's lovely and warm

So I'm a fair weather gardener now, call me lightweight but I don't care at my age

[SaraJH]

I'm sorry BM - it's just the way my (long gone) childish mind read the thread title.

Haha! I'm the first person to read naughty thoughts but I honestly thought that my thread title was innocent lol

[Bigmallly]

You do right Thelma, know & work to your own limitations & you won't go far wrong.

[Bigmallly]

Haha! I'm the first person to read naughty thoughts but I honestly thought that my thread title was innocent lol

When you get to my age, your mind stops working like that.................

[Thelma Sanders]

When you get to my age, your mind stops working like that.................

Along with nearly everything else..........

[Bigmallly]

What do you mean "nearly"....................

[Guest]

I am only 35 and suffer with various aches and pains. As others have said vary tasks and know your limits. I often break after a short time of digging and just stand up and stare at everything. I usually come in and have a hot shower and if I have pushed it I have a hot water bottle.

There has been a similar thread recently and several people said about they use back support. I used to have issues with my calf muscles where I went from a lot of exercise to very little and I managed to cope with it using tubigrips and deepheat.

As for looking a pillock in public...........you joined the vine, that makes you a complete nutter

[Small pumpkin]

Lower back pain - check
Thigh pain - check (occasionally)
Knee pain - check
Hand pain - check (on set of arthritis, me thinks)

I'm the idiot that doesn't do anything about it. I do not exercise ( no need for language like that ), apart from all the gardening it's self. I don't take anything for it. This is one of the reasons I'm a part time gardener ( no winter veg ). So my body has a few months to recover.

You are not alone with all the aches and pains. If there is anyone on the vine that doesn't suffer. Tell me your secret