As most of you know, I am originally from Connecticut but have not lived on the East Coast for quite a number of years. This is my first New England winter in a very long time.
I had the unfortunate experience of hurting my back on Monday while shoveling that extremely heavy snowfall! I had forgotten how heavy snow can get when it’s very wet! Being a massage therapist, I thought I was shoveling ergonomically. I was sure to lift with my legs and keep my core strong. However, by the end of the day which included shoveling in the morning and seeing clients during the day, I could hardly bend over!
After researching how to shovel snow properly, I realized my mistakes and will be doing things a lot differently next time. I thought I would post these pointers to my blog readers in the hopes that you, too, can avoid snow shoveling-related injuries! You can read directly from the source by visiting: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/02/24/health/healthy_living/main676316.shtml
I’ve highlighted some of the key pointers below.
-Lift the snow with the legs, not the back. Keep your back as straight as possible and your legs bent so that the lifting comes from the strength of your legs not your back muscles.
-Do not bend at the waist.
-Avoid twisting! Turn your whole body in the direction you are throwing the snow. Step your body in that direction as you throw the snow.
-Shovel small loads of snow rather than big loads at one time.
-Push the snow as much as possible rather than lifting it.
-Keep distance between your two hands on the shovel so you can lift the snow easier.
-Invest in an ergonomic shovel.
-If you do not exercise regularly, considering hiring someone to shovel your snow.
-Take regular breaks every 15 minutes.
-Know the warning signs of heart attack. If you feel chest pain, shoulder, neck or arm pain, experience dizziness, fainting, sweating or nausea, or shortness of breath, seek medical help immediately.