Mowing the lawn might seem like just another weekend chore, but it can take a real toll on your body. The repetitive motions and prolonged strain often lead to discomfort in the back, knees, and wrists—especially if you’re not using proper technique. In this blog, we’ll share practical tips to help you protect your body during yard work, recognize early signs of injury, and know when it’s time to seek professional help. If you’re in the Chicago area, our pain clinic is here to support you with expert care.
Why Does Mowing the Lawn Cause Pain in the Back, Knees, and Wrists?
Mowing the lawn might seem like a straightforward task, but it requires a combination of repetitive movements, awkward body positions, and sustained effort—all of which takes a toll on your joints and muscles. Here are a few ways in which yard work causes pain:
- Repetitive motions: Mowing requires bending or lunging (sometimes on uneven terrain), which can stress the knee joints.
- Poor posture: Many people hunch over while mowing, especially if the mower handle is too low or high. Over time, poor posture strains the spinal muscles and lower back.
- Gripping and steering: Constantly gripping and steering vibrating mower handles can fatigue the muscles and tendons in your wrists, increasing the risk of tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
How Can You Prevent Back Pain While Mowing the Lawn?
Do you have back pain from mowing? Here are some tips on how to reduce pain levels:
- Maintain proper posture: Keep your back straight and avoid hunching over the mower.
- Adjust the mower height: Set the mower handle around waist height so that you don’t have to bend or slouch over it.
- Avoid twisting: When turning the mower around, turn your whole body (as opposed to just twisting from the waist).
- Take breaks: If you’re mowing for a long period of time, take breaks to stretch your back, hamstrings, and hip flexors. Common exercises include bridges, cat stretches, and knee-to-chest stretches.
What Can You Do to Avoid Knee Pain During Lawn Care?
As mentioned above, the bending and squatting motions involved in mowing can strain the knees. Here are some ways to prevent knee pain during lawn mowing:
- Wear supportive footwear: Cushioned shoes with strong arch support can help absorb shock and keep your knees aligned.
- Use proper form: If you need to bend, use your hips and knees; don’t use your back, and don’t bend too deeply.
- Stretch: Stretching your knees and the surrounding muscles helps strengthen the joint.
How Can You Protect Your Wrists and Hands from Strain?
If you’ve noticed wrist problems after mowing, such as pain, swelling, or tenderness, you’re not alone. Although strained wrists and hands are a common consequence of mowing, you can reduce the risk with these tips:
- Maintain a relaxed grip: Avoid holding the handle too tightly, as this can cause tension and fatigue in your tendons. Consider wearing gardening gloves for extra protection.
- Use both hands evenly: Distribute force to avoid exerting too much pressure on one hand.
- Perform wrist exercises: Wrist exercises such as grip squeezes, finger springs, and tendon glides help strengthen the joint.
When Should You Seek Professional Pain Management for Lawn Care-Related Discomfort?
Sometimes, at-home tips and remedies are enough to prevent pain after mowing. In more severe cases, however, you may need professional support. You should visit an interventional pain specialist if you experience the following:
- Pain that doesn’t go away, even after rest
- Pain that disrupts your day-to-day activities
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Symptoms other than pain (including swelling or a reduced range of movement)
What Are the Best Pain Management Treatments for Lawn Care-Related Injuries?
Are you looking for long-term, professional treatment for lawn care-related injuries? MAPS Centers for Pain Control support patients by providing minimally invasive, personalized chronic pain solutions. We help treat back pain, knee pain, and wrist pain through the following methods:
- Injection-based therapies: These treatments involve injecting medication directly into the affected area.
- Cryoneurolysis: Cryoneurolysis prevents pain by freezing the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals.
- Physical therapy: We pair our treatments with physical therapy, which uses tailored exercises to strengthen the muscles and joints.
- Bracing and supports: If necessary, we may suggest wearing braces (such as a knee or back brace) to support the injured area while you heal.
Treat Lawn Care Pain in Chicago at MAPS Centers for Pain Control
At MAPS Centers for Pain Control, we believe that nobody should have to deal with pain just to complete basic household chores. With our support, you’ll overcome chronic pain, improve strength, and boost your long-term health. Contact our team today to explore our expert treatments!