Snow shoveling to be one of the most exerting task done to the low back especially with the heavy South Dakota snows. I see a fair amount of low back injuries at Align Chiropractic each year due to snow shoveling incorrectly. While there’s nothing you can do to guarantee that your back will not be injured but there things that you can do to minimize the risk.
Tip 1 (Water)
Drink at least an 8 ounce glass of water before starting as you will dehydrate with this activity.
Tip 2 (Stretch)
Do some simple low back stretches inside before you ever stepped outside as this will help get the blood flowing to your muscles which is extremely important.
Tip 3 (One Less Layer)
Try to dress one layer later than what you normally would when you go outside due to the increased cardiovascular activity and the natural heat generated by your body with snow shoveling.
Tip 4 (Start Slow)
On your first 2 min. of shoveling try to take lighter loads to allow your muscles to continue to warm up and acclimate to this vigorous activity.
Tip 5 (Correct Shovel)
A great Christmas present for yourself would be an ergonomically correct shovel that has two bends in it, while it may look a little funny; this will allow your low back to remain in a much more upright position forcing you to use your butt and leg muscles for the majority of the lifting.
Visit a Chiropractor in Sioux Falls, SD
If you follow these simple procedures you may greatly reduce your risk of low back injury. If you do injure your low back shoveling snow gives us a call at Align Chiropractic to allow us to evaluate and treat your low back injury.
The blessed Merry Christmas to you all and remember Jesus is the reason for the season.
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