Tips for Snow Shoveling
Snow shoveling is one of the more common causes of back injuries during the winter months. However, this type of injury is preventable if you know the best ways to remove snow without straining the back. The following snow removal tips can help you to avoid low back injuries and pain during the snowy winter season.
Pick The Right Shovel
• An ergonomic snow shovel can help take some of
the effort out of snow removal chores.
• A shovel with a curved handle or an adjustable
handle length will minimize painful bending,
requiring you to bend your knees only slightly and
arch your back very slightly while keeping the
shovel blade on the ground.
Warm Up Thoroughly
• Cold, tight muscles are more prone to injury than
warmed up, flexible muscles. Do your back a favor
by warming up for five to ten minutes before
shoveling or any strenuous activity.
• Stretch your low back and hamstrings (the large
muscles in the back of the thigh) with some gentle
stretching exercises.
Use Ergonomic Lifting Techniques
• Whenever possible, push the snow to one side
rather than lifting it.
• Bend at the hips, not the low back, and push the
chest out, pointing forward. Then, bend your knees
and lift with your leg muscles, keeping your back
straight.
• Keep your loads light and do not lift an object that
is too heavy for you.
• If you must lift a shovel full, grip the shovel with one
hand as close to the blade as comfortably possible
and the other hand on the handle (handle and arm
length will vary the technique).
• Avoid twisting the back to move the snow to its new
location – always pivot your whole body to face the
new direction.
• Walk to the new location to deposit the item rather
than reaching or tossing.
Pace Yourself
• Shoveling small amounts of snow frequently is less
strenuous than shoveling a large pile at once.
• In deep snow, remove a few inches off the top at a
time, rather than attempting to shovel the full depth
at once.
• When shoveling, take frequent short breaks.
Keeping these guidelines in mind during the winter season will lessen the chances of developing new back problems or worsening your low back pain while shoveling, and hopefully make your winter a healthier and more enjoyable experience
Fairport Chiropractic1157 Fairport Road
Fairport, NY 14450
585-381-7724