The nation's DIYers will be coming out of the woodwork this Whitsun bank holiday weekend as the desire to Do-It-Yourself continues. Figures from the British Chiropractic Association indicate that an amazing 10,000 people visit a BCA chiropractor with DIY related injuries each month!

But with everyone trying to get to grips with those home improvement jobs they have been putting off all winter, the BCA estimates that around 5,000 people will visit a chiropractor, following the extra day off work, as a result of bank holiday DIY disasters.

In an attempt to reduce injury the British Chiropractic Association has identified the top three home improvement tasks, which can lead to DIY disaster.

• Painting and decorating - including painting those awkward areas such as ceilings, and papering the walls.
• Pruning and patios - the 'room outside' has a lot to answer for. Laying patios and digging are among the worst offenders.
• Moving and lifting - lifting heavy items, shifting furniture and twisting on ladders.

And it's not just the chiropractic couches that are seeing the DIY walking wounded, according to the Department of Trade and Industry 3,900 people are treated in hospital every week as a result of DIY related injuries.

TV DIY expert 'Handy Andy' is no stranger to DIY disasters and says:

"When people watch me on TV, they do tend to forget that I have been in the trade for years! People have so much enthusiasm for home improvements that they tend to 'steam in' and that's when problems start.”

“What they don't realise is there is a right way and wrong way of doing things to avoid hurting yourself - from banging a nail in a wall to painting a ceiling. I know I make it look easy but my advice would be don't rush that DIY task – plan ahead do it properly!"

So take heed, if you are planning a new patio or a splash of colour for your sitting room, Tim Hutchful, BCA Chiropractor has this advice for you:

• Reach for the sky - if you are planning on painting a ceiling - think about getting the largest amount of paint on in the shortest space of time. Use a paint pad or roller with an extended handle and hold it at chest height. Keep your head as neutral as possible and keep facing forward so you don't over exert your neck. If you can lie down - do!
• Don't twist again - if you have to use a ladder - treat it like your dancing partner always face it and move the ladder regularly. Always keep your shoulders, hips and knees pointing in the same direction.
• Don't start with heavy-duty gardening - start with the lighter jobs like mowing the lawn and then move on. If you are pruning use long handled secateurs and get as close to the plants as you can, and a top tip is to prune before you plant!
• If laying a patio keep the slab close to your body and bend your knees.
• Treat DIY like normal exercise - so you need to warm up and warm down.
• Dress appropriately - don't wear tight constricting clothes.
• Vary your activity, spend no more than 20-30 minutes on any one thing and take regular breaks.
• If you are planning a trip to the local DIY store and buying heavy items like cement - buy more, smaller bags rather than one big bag. Smaller items are easier and safer to carry. But if there is no other option - ask someone else to help carry it to the car, and then when you get home, shovel out smaller quantities straight from the car and put it in to small containers.
• Pain is a warning sign do not ignore it - if you start to ache then stop what you are doing. If the pain continues see a BCA chiropractor.

If you need any further advice or to find details of your local BCA chiropractor contact the BCA on 0118 950 5950

Previously a painter and decorator by trade, 'Handy Andy' Kane first appeared on our screens in Changing Rooms. He is currently starring in Room Rivals and Garden Rivals, which are shown regularly on the digital TV channel - UK Style, and will be on our screens again soon when the new series of Changing Rooms on BBC1 which is due to be aired later on in the year.