[daisy1990]

with some exceptions most doctors and physios recommend exercise for back pain (rather than rest that used to be prescribed) what better exercise that being in the fresh air on the allotment.  Every Easter I have back pain having planted potatoes on Good Friday, but no doubt I will do the same again this year!

[mikem]

Having had spinal surgery my consultant told me that after a month or so forget your back, it will be as strong as it was before I had any problems.  I think therefore you need to take proper medical advice so that you know what you are able to do safely.  Hopefully you will be able to enjoy an allotment even if you have to modify the way you cultivate it.  Good luck.

[erainn]

Grateful appreciation to all for the information, kindness and encouragement.

[ex-cavator]

About seven or eight years ago I suffered a severe bout of Sciatica and had 13 weeks off work (I'm not normally one for time off and usually battle on through anything, but this was BAD  ). I subsequently suffered pain for almost two years, and, although it gradually diminished, it was frequently a bit tender and would flare up if I tried anything untoward.

But then I ignored all the advice from family, and decided I would try a return to my old hobby, digging up old bottles. I took it relatively easy at first and relied on Ibuprofen to see me through, but gradually I got back to 100%, without any tablets, and was soon knocking out 8ft deep holes again along with the best of my bottle digging mates.

I've never looked back since - I still dig for bottles from time to time, but now spend more time on my allotment, which believe me is a doddle by comparison, but have not had any more back problems apart from the odd muscle twinge when I overdo it after a period of abstainence.

I'm convinced it was the digging that got me back into condition, and without it, I would still be suffering discomfort now

[Rangerkris]

I fractured my spine falling from 30ft some 15 years ago and that gave me a dodgy back, hahahah the only pain i get is lower back muscles from lack of digging once i have had a day at forking over the plot i am ok again for the rest of the season.


Im ever so luck i think as it never causes me pain

[compostqueen]

I have a dodgy back which goes into spasm and this was at the time just before I got my plot. I only cleared a bed at a time and have continued like this since 2004 and it's not cleared yet but it will be eventually    I do jobs in 10 minute bursts and then move on to another task so I don't get locked up.  I get up and walk around frequently. I don't dig though, never have and my plot was a blackberry and raspberry wilderness when I took it on.  The black sheet mulch is priceless and when left in place long enough even the toughest brambles give up the ghost and can be lifted out so no heavy duty gear required 

[katiekate]

Hi,

This came up on Gardener's Question time.. They advised buying tools with very long handles as this is better for backs. Apparently garden tool design came from mining tools, which had to have shorter handles obviously..

Maybe you could change the handles on folks, spades etc..

[digalotty]

i dig over in small doses and i neil down to weed ,    i do both in a one bed at a time situation , my back is not the best after years in the building trade.