According to Mass General Brigham, protect your back while shoveling by:
- “Warm up beforehand by moving your body, maybe practicing a few repetitions of shoveling movements.
- Use proper equipment, ensuring that the shovel is not too long or too heavy. Space your hands out on the handle to increase your leverage.
- Try to push the snow rather than lift it. When you do have to lift, only collect small amounts at a time. Then, walk the snow to where you want to put it. Don’t throw it to the side or over your shoulder, which can force you to twist and cause injury.
- Bend and straighten your knees to lift the shovel, instead of bending at the waist. And keep your back straight. This squatting technique puts the work in your legs instead of your back and helps stop you from leaning forward.
- Listen to your body. Pace yourself and take breaks, rather than power through until the job is done. If you’re expecting a lot of snow, start early and work in shorter shifts throughout the day. This way, you won’t have to lift very heavy loads of tightly packed snow.
- Gently stretch your muscles during breaks and after you’re done.”
If you’re tired of treating the same symptoms, give something new a try. Sit down with a professional at Pivotal Chiropractic and tell them about your conditions. After an examination, you may learn that a real solution is not as far as you might think, and chiropractic care could be what you’ve been looking for.
Read more about back pain relief in Ann Arbor on our website.
Come to Pivotal Chiropractic for Back Pain Relief!
We understand that healthcare choices are critical decisions and that you have many different options to treat back pain in Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities. If you have back pain, neck pain, or tingling or numbness in your hands and feet, it’s time to see a chiropractor. To schedule a complimentary consultation, contact us at 734-221-0362.
