[digga666]

Ahh I see what about long handled tools so that the longer handles take the strain better than your body?

[Growster...]

Teen, you really can learn to garden with a bad back.

Just consider the principles, and never ever put your back discs under strain!

Think wildly and instinctively while you exert pressure. Just mentally go through the effort you're considering applying, and work out if you can achieve a result. If you can't see an end, then don't do it.

More often than not, you won't be able to do it, so don't get frustrated, just think about an alternative way to achieve what you want!

Who cares if you're seen as the gardener who gets down on his knees, or produces short-handled hoes for a proper professional job!

[compostqueen]

You can't do anything that will make things worse so take it steady. Things will take you longer than they did before but that doesn't matter for now. With sciatica you might not be able to do anything.  Your pain killers will only work when your muscles are at rest, so take it steady.  Keeping your weight down will help matters as you will tend to gain weight if you're less mobile

[grendel]

try an azada, the digging action is different and its the tools own weight that pushes it in the ground, moving the soil is done by pushing on the long lever, though you tend to work away from yourself, treading on the ground previously dug, however if you have beds 1m deep you can manage it all from the paths.
Grendel

[Teen76]

Thanks everyone, its keeping me encouraged.

I managed a walk and I had a go on my exercise bike as well today which really lifted my spirits.  Hope to get myself fit, although tomorrow I might be hobbling about as I am tonight lol  I am determined if nothing else lol

Happy New Year to you all

[chickenboy]

Can't believe no-one's mentioned this! Absolutely brilliant, no strain on back,  and quicker than a spade too!!        WezHc-107Dc

[DD.]

If you follow the links in post number 4 of this thread, you'll find that they have\!

[chickenboy]

oops

[MoreWhisky]

I only use a border spade and fork, they are smaller and more managable. Now even when i pick up a normal spade i hear my back complaining.