Every year, our chiropractic center sees patients who hurt their back while shoveling snow. Why is this so common? You can blame muscle memory and using muscles we don’t use frequently. Here at Senara Health and Healing Center & Spa, we offer chiropractic care and other health and wellness services in Peoria. Learn some tips to protect your back while shoveling snow, and schedule an appointment today!
Warm Up Before You Head Out
It’s a fact that many people pull or strain muscles because they did not properly warm up before exercising. Since shoveling snow is a physical activity, it’s best to warm up before tackling the job. Simple stretches, such as toe touches and air squats, can help loosen the muscles and prepare the body for the work ahead.
Invest in an Ergonomic Snow Shovel
Ergonomic snow shovels are designed to help prevent strains when snow shoveling. They help to put your body in the right position so you don’t bend from the waist when snow shoveling. It also helps to prevent sudden movements that also contribute to back injuries.
Use Proper Lifting Technique
When shoveling snow, you want to use your leg muscles and not your back muscles to do most of the heavy lifting. Try to keep your back straight at all times, and dump the snow by pivoting your entire body by moving your feet. Keep the shovel’s load close to the body as well to reduce strings on your back, shoulder, and arms.
Seek Chiropractic Care
Snow shoveling is hard, physical labor that most of us are just not used to. If you believe you may have injured yourself while snow shoveling, schedule an appointment right away. You most definitely don’t want an injury to get worse as time goes along.
CHOOSE SENARA HEALTH AND HEALING CENTER & SPA IN PEORIA
Investing in your health and wellness entails taking care of your body’s needs. This includes a healthy diet, exercise, and keeping the muscles and joints strong and healthy. Call our chiropractic clinic in Peoria to schedule an appointment today.