Instead of tackling the whole yard at once, break it up into sections, and take frequent breaks. And rake from both sides of your body.
If you've injured your back before, and do it again, consider making rehab part of your recovery.
"The symptoms might subside, but the underlying cause may not go away. So, making sure you do some kind of rehab into the future, to shore up the area; strengthen the area, and bring that range of motion back in the correct ranges of motion, is vitally important," said Dr. Chad Adams.
If you can, doctors suggested hiring someone to do the leaves, or at least lend a hand.