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5 Snow Shoveling Tips

5 Snow Shoveling Tips to Help Prevent Injury

At West Hartford Chiropractic LLC, there’s one type of injury we see a sharp increase in during the winter: snow shoveling injuries. Snow shoveling puts a lot of stress on back muscles that we don’t often use for this kind of activity, leading to injury or re-injury. If you need to shovel snow, here are a few important tips to keep in mind.

Stretch and Move Around

Don’t start shoveling while you’re still “cold.” Warm up your muscles with some stretches, do a little light jogging or some squats, and generally get your muscles ready for the job.

Find the Right Shovel

If your shovel is causing you a lot of pain, you need to get a new one. Flimsy shovels can actually create more work than heavy shovels, so look for durability. Shovels with grips and good handles can help prevent injury, too. Also, make sure the shovel is the right height: Short shovels can make you hunch forward, but also put less pressure on your back when lifting. Long shovels are easier to push but may require more effort to lift. Find a happy medium.

Lift as Little as Possible

Lifting heavy snow is what can really harm your back. Instead of lifting and carrying snow, push it around as much as possible. If you do have to lift snow up with the shovel, make sure it’s only for a couple of feet. Try to lift your legs as much as possible. A little bit of planning goes a long way here.

Wear Shoes with Good Traction

Your shoes or boots need good traction to work in the snow. You should also avoid icy spots when shoveling, anything to reduce the chances of slipping when you work.

Drink Water

When you are well-hydrated, your muscles are less likely to seize up, and you are healthier overall. Don’t forget to drink water before and after you shovel, and if it’s a big project, remember to take some breaks, too!

Contact Us at West Hartford Chiropractic for Any Questions You Have

Do you have a snow-shoveling injury that doesn’t seem to be getting better? Contact us, your Chiropractor in West Hartford, to set up an appointment and get a professional assessment of your pain so you can start the right kind of treatment plan. Call us at (860) 232-5556 today!

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Monday:

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