How to Properly Shovel Snow: From Ann Arbor Chiropractor, Mike Tannenbaum

Another blog post from the desk of your Ann Arbor chiropractor, Mike Tannenbaum, D.C.


Like it or not, if you live in Ann Arbor, Michigan or the surrounding area, this time of year snow is on the ground – or will be coming soon. Along with the snow, many of us in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area will have to pull out our snow shovels to clear our driveways, porches, sidewalks, and other snow-covered areas. Sounds simple enough, but snow shoveling can be very strenuous and it causes injury to thousands each year. Most of these injuries are back related, but some are cardiac issues, including heart attacks (technically known as myocardial infarction).


Listed below are some things we suggest at our Ann Arbor chiropractic office to prevent snow- shoveling-related injuries.


Make sure you wear appropriate clothing. Waterproof boots that have a non-slip tread are ideal.  Of course, clothing should keep you warm, but not hot, and the clothes should be breathable to help avoid accumulation of moisture.


Always warm up. Like an athlete would warm up before competition, you should warm up before shoveling snow. Snow shoveling can be very physically demanding, so you need to warm up your muscles, your cardiovascular system, and your whole body. You can start by walking up and down your driveway and doing some stretches. If you have heart health issues, cardiovascular disease, or coronary artery disease, check with your primary health care provider before shoveling snow.


Make sure to go slow and steady. Don’t rush and do take breaks. If you feel yourself getting tired or possibly overexerting yourself, go inside and take a break.


Make sure to use proper shoveling technique. Avoid using your back to lift the snow – make sure you are bending your knees and using your legs to remove the snow. Push the snow to the side rather than throwing the snow.


Make sure you are using a quality snow shovel that has good ergonomics built into it. A shovel with a slight bend in the handle, allowing you not to bend your back so much when shoveling, should do the trick.


Of course, if you injure your back or neck when shoveling, check with your chiropractor to see if he or she can help fix the problem.


If you have any questions about this blog post, chiropractic, back pain, neck pain, or headaches, I can be contacted at [email protected].


The information in this blog is general in nature and intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice.

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