How are you spending your weekend?  Many of you are taking the opportunity to get back to nature and go camping with your friends and family.  While spending time in the great outdoors can be quite therapeutic, the rugged conditions provide plenty of opportunity for neck and back injuries. Here are a few potential injuries and how to avoid them during your camping trip:

Injuries from Heavy Lifting

When you go camping, there’s a lot of gear you need to haul to the camp site.  Some of it can be rather heavy, so it’s important to make sure you’re using proper lifting technique.  Never bend at the waist to pick up something from the ground, even if it’s not that heavy.  Instead, bend your knees and squat down to pick up the object.  This way, you are using your strong leg muscles to do the work instead of your back muscles. 

Backpacks

Many people use a backpack to carry items for their camping trip.  Try to limit the weight you carry in the backpack and use both shoulder straps while you are hiking to your campsite.  This helps to evenly distribute the weight in your backpack and will help decrease the risk of neck and shoulder injuries.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

The great thing about camping is that it allows you to get off the beaten path.  Unfortunately, that means uneven terrain that presents a falling hazard.  A bad fall can lead to an injury to your neck or back.  During the day, keep an eye out for rocks, leaves, and roots that could cause you to trip.  At night, make sure your campsite is well lit and bring a flashlight with you in case you need to leave the campsite.

Camping can be a great way to spend time with family and friends.  We hope these tips help you prevent injuries during your camping trip.  If you are experiencing neck or back pain from an injury during your holiday weekend, schedule an appointment online with one of the physicians at Resurgens Spine Center.