AmeriWell Clinics, a multi-specialty clinical practice serving Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia, is reminding Gaithersburg residents to protect their backs during summer activities. The clinic's chiropractors have observed a seasonal increase in lower back pain as people spend more time outdoors gardening, pressure-washing, and tackling home projects.
Low back pain is a common reason for seeking medical care, and summer often exacerbates it. Activities such as mulching, planting, lifting heavy bags, and prolonged bending can strain muscles unaccustomed to such demands. The problem typically builds gradually over hours of repetitive motion rather than from a single injury.
"Every summer we see the same pattern," said Dr. Ali R. Ramezan, DC, CEO of AmeriWell Clinics. "People feel wonderful in the sunshine, spend a full Saturday in the yard, then wake up Sunday wondering what happened to their lower back. The encouraging part is that most of these strains are preventable with a few small changes to how you move and pace yourself."
To help prevent back pain, AmeriWell Clinics recommends several simple habits. First, warming up with light dynamic stretching or a short walk prepares muscles for physical work. Second, lifting with the legs instead of the back—bending at the knees and keeping loads close to the body—reduces strain. Avoiding twisting while carrying heavy objects is also crucial.
Breaking up repetitive tasks by switching between jobs and taking short rest periods allows overworked muscles to recover. Staying hydrated helps prevent muscle cramping and fatigue during long hours in the heat. Finally, paying attention to the body's signals is essential: mild soreness is normal, but sharp or lingering pain indicates a need to stop and rest.
If discomfort persists for more than a few days or interferes with daily activities, the clinic advises seeking professional care. For those new to chiropractic, AmeriWell guides patients through their first visit step by step, from initial consultation to a personalized care plan tailored to individual movement and comfort.
AmeriWell Clinics is a multi-specialty practice providing chiropractic, physical therapy, and medical care throughout Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia. The clinic treats a wide range of conditions, including back and neck pain, car-accident injuries, and sports-related injuries, with a patient-first, drug-free philosophy focused on lasting relief and recovery.
