Number of back injuries among people trying to save parched gardens soars as a result of the hosepipe ban
Osteopaths across England are reporting a sharp rise in patients suffering back, neck, shoulder and elbow injuries linked to lugging heavy watering cans, as hosepipe bans force households to water their gardens by hand. Practitioners in Berkshire, Suffolk and Kent all describe a marked increase in gardening-related musculoskeletal complaints, with the elderly especially vulnerable but younger, fit people also affected by the repetitive strain of carrying loads of water. The trend highlights an unintended health cost of the water restrictions introduced amid a dry summer.
Osteopaths say the most common problems are lower back pain, neck strain and tendon issues such as tennis elbow, caused by the combined weight of full watering cans and the repetitive nature of the task, with some people spending up to an hour a day watering. The bans, imposed by suppliers including Thames Water, affect millions of customers and could remain in place until the end of the year; however, disabled people and those with long-term health conditions are exempt and may continue using hosepipes for essential garden watering.
- Hosepipe bans are driving a rise in gardening-related back and joint injuries.
- Osteopaths report more patients with strains from heavy watering cans.
- Disabled people and those with health conditions remain exempt from bans.
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Dry conditions this year have led some water companies in England, including Thames Water, to introduce hosepipe bans, which restrict households from using hoses to water gardens or wash cars. With hosepipes off limits, many people have turned to filling watering cans by hand and carrying them repeatedly around the garden instead.
Osteopaths, who treat problems with muscles, joints and bones, are the key voices in this story. Practitioners in areas such as Berkshire, Suffolk and Kent say they are seeing more patients with back, neck, shoulder and elbow problems, which they link to the effort of carrying heavy, full watering cans over and over.
The bans can stay in force until the end of the year and affect millions of customers, though people who are disabled or have long-term health conditions are exempt and can still use a hosepipe. The story matters because it points to an unexpected side effect of water restrictions: while intended to conserve water during a dry spell, they may be creating physical strain for those trying to keep their gardens alive by hand.