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The Hidden Causes of Back Pain This Fall

Writer: DPT Physical Therapy
DPT Physical Therapy
Sep 25
2 min read

Fall is a great time to be outside in Michigan—but it can also bring back pain along with the changing leaves.

Maybe it started after three hours of raking. Or after your first round of golf in a few weeks. Or after jumping back into recreational soccer.

Fall itself usually isn't the problem. It's often the sudden change in activity.


Leaves & Yard Work

Raking, bagging, lifting, carrying, bending, and twisting may not seem strenuous on their own. But doing them repeatedly for several hours after a less active summer can be a big jump in workload.

Fatigue can also make repetitive movements more difficult to manage.

Try: Take short breaks, alternate tasks, and change positions throughout the job rather than trying to finish everything at once.


Cooler Weather & Changing Routines

Cold weather doesn't automatically cause back injuries. However, colder temperatures often come with less daily movement and more time sitting indoors.

You may feel stiff when you first get moving, particularly if you've spent several hours sitting.

Try: Get some movement in throughout the day and warm up before jumping into strenuous outdoor activities.


Fall Sports & Seasonal Activities

Football, soccer, running, hiking, and other fall activities can create another common problem: your motivation remembers what you used to be able to do, even if your body hasn't done it recently.

If you've been less active, suddenly returning to your previous level of running, cutting, jumping, or hiking can exceed what your body is currently prepared to handle.

What You Can Do

A few simple strategies can make the transition into fall easier:

  • Build up gradually: Avoid going from minimal activity to several hours of yard work or a full day of sports.

  • Warm up: Spend a few minutes moving before golf, running, sports, or strenuous outdoor activities.

  • Take breaks: Short breaks can reduce fatigue during repetitive activities.

  • Change positions: Alternate between bending, standing, walking, lifting, and other tasks.

  • Pay attention to symptoms: Soreness that improves with recovery is different from pain that persists, worsens, or limits your activities.


When Should You Get It Checked Out?

You don't need physical therapy every time your back is sore after a busy weekend.

But if pain keeps coming back, isn't improving, is getting worse, or is limiting the activities you enjoy, an evaluation can help identify factors contributing to the problem and determine what you can do to get back to normal.

At DPT Physical Therapy, we work with active adults and recreational athletes to understand why pain is occurring and help them return to the activities they enjoy.


Same-Week Appointments Are Available—Book Now


Enjoy the fall season, stay active, and remember: the goal isn't to avoid activity—it's to help your body handle the activities you want to do.


Brandon Katona DPT, PT


 
 
 

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