Enjoy your garden, protect your back

Scotland’s gardeners are being advised to look after their backs as well as their lawns through the summer months.

As the better weather allows people to spend more time outdoors tackling jobs in the garden, NHS 24 is reminding people that a few simple precautions can help to prevent any back or shoulder injuries as a result of their efforts.

NHS 24 Physiotherapist and Musculoskeletal lead, Fraser Ferguson (above) says it’s a common injury but can be avoided: “We get a lot of calls to our 111 service about back pain, often caused by day to day activities such as gardening. We have a team of physiotherapists that can help people with simple exercises to help alleviate the pain.

“Most back trouble resolves itself after a few weeks and can be managed with pain relief and movement but it’s important to remember that most injuries can be avoided in the first place.

“If you’re not used to exercise such as digging or raking in the garden take it easy and try not to over- exert. When planting out seedlings avoid crouching in the same position for too long and take care when standing up. If you’re doing any lifting such as using a wheelbarrow make sure your legs take the strain – bend your back, knees and hips slightly but do not stoop or squat.”

There is lots of information about back care on Scotland’s health information website, NHS inform (http://www.nhsinform.co.uk/msk/) .

There is also a free app ‘MSK Help’ to download to your phone or tablet to help with gentle exercise and stretching to alleviate any symptoms.

People who suffer an injury (that’s not an emergency) are advised to contact their GP or NHS 24 on 111 (if GP is closed).

• People across Scotland can call NHS 24 using the free phone number 111. 111 gives people access to the help and advice they need when they can’t wait until their GP surgery or dentist reopens.

• NHS 24 works in close partnership with all Health Boards and the Scottish Ambulance Service to provide essential services to patients in need of urgent advice and care during the out-of-hours period when their GP surgery is closed.

• NHS 24 employs a range of specialist staff including call handlers, nurse advisors, pharmacists, mental health advisors, physiotherapists, dental nurses and special phone line advisors within Breathing Space.

• NHS 24 provides access to trusted health information and support through a range of different services, including NHS inform, Care Information Scotland, and Smokeline. These services are available to the public via a range of different delivery channels, including the web, telephone.

• The Scottish Centre for Telehealth and Telecare is part of NHS 24 and leads the way in delivering innovative new technology-based services to the people of Scotland.