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Review These Tips Before Clearing Your Doorway This Winter! PREVENT BACKPAINWHENSHOVELING
Inside: • Easy Tips On Shoveling Safely
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Warm up your muscles Cold muscles are more susceptible to injury, so warm up the large muscles in your lower back before heading out to shovel the snow. For example, start by placing a hot water bottle or heating pad on your lower back for 10 - 20 minutes, followed with some light aerobic exercises to get your blood moving.Thendosomegentlestretching.Somepeoplemayfind thatputting a ThermaCare Heat Wrap, or other brand of adhesive heat wrap, on their lower back not only keeps their back muscles warmed up but also helps remind them to pay attention to ergonomics and form. Use an ergonomic shovel It will help if you can minimize the degree you need to bend forward to shovel, so consider using a shovel with a curved handle, which will allow you to stay in a more upright stance. An adjustable length shovel can also let you shorten the handle length, so you are not straining to lift heavy snow that’s too far away from your body. Both of these factors will help take stress off your lower back. Finally, the lighter the shovel (e.g. plastic) the less weight you will need to hoist.
Pay careful attention to how you lift the snow Bend at your hips and with your knees, and lift with your leg muscles, not your back. Do not bend your back forward or twist your back at any point. Only lift an amount of snow that you can comfortably handle. Use a snow blower instead of a shovel. When used correctly, a snow blower can take much of the stress of snow removal off your back. Use the power of your legs to propel the machine forward, keeping your back straight (don’t hunch forward) and your knees slightly bent. If you would like to learn more on how to prevent yourself from a potential injury while handling tasks in the winter, contact us today. A medical expert will be happy to assist you!
Source:https://www.spine-health.com/blog/4-tips-protect-your-back-when-shoveling
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