How to Prevent a Back Injury While Shoveling Snow
Shoveling snow is a necessary evil, and one that can come with risks to your health. Snow shoveling can lead to pulled or strained muscles, aches and pains, and spinal injury. If you’re experiencing pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility due to a snow-shoveling injury, visit our chiropractors in Bend, OR for safe, effective chiropractic low back pain treatment and follow these tips when shoveling snow in the future:
Keep Your Back Straight
Keeping your back straight and erect while you shovel snow will help prevent pulled muscles, repetitive stress injuries, spinal ailments, and strained muscles. Use your hips and not your lower back to take the brunt of the pressure and movement. With your chest out and pointing forwards, bend your knees and lift with your leg muscles. Make sure your feet remain hip-width apart during each movement so you have additional control.
Pay Attention to Hand Placement
Your hands should be positioned one above the other on the handle, and about one foot apart. This will help you keep your back straight and your spine stabilized as you shovel and dump the snow.
Use Correct Technique for Dumping Snow
While you’re moving and dumping the snow as you shovel, pivot your whole body along with the direction of your foot. If you’re dumping the snow off to the left, your left foot should be facing towards the left while you shovel. You can then dump the snow by pivoting your body at the waist toward the direction of your left foot. Do not twist your spine alone—instead, pivot your body in the direction your dumping.
Avoid Excessive Arm Movements
Keeping each shovel-load of snow close to your body as you shovel and dump will help you avoid excessive arm movements. Excessive arm movements will destabilize your posture, cause repetitive stress injuries, and make a muscle strain or sprain injuries more likely. Keeping your arms close to your body will reduce the pressure on your upper and lower back, shoulders, and arms.
If You Have Low Back Pain in Bend, OR Due to a Snow-Shoveling Injury, Call Us Today
If you’re experiencing low back pain in Bend, OR due to a snow-shoveling injury, come see us at Falling Waters Injury & Health Management Center. Our chiropractors and team of specialists focus on providing relief from acute and chronic pain while improving range of motion and mobility. To learn more or schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors, call us today at (541) 389-4321.
Posted In:
Chiropractic
Low Back Pain Treatment
Winter Injuries
Outdoor Activity
