(Newswire.net — October 8, 2013) Stamford, CT —
For Connecticut residents that live in a climate that receives snow every year, most people know what a chore shoveling this stuff can be – and what a strain it can place on your body, especially the neck and back muscles
Dr. Scott Bender, a Chiropractor in Stamford, CT offers the following suggestions for safely removing snow without injuries to your neck, shoulders and back.
For CT residents that live in a climate that receives snow every year, most people know what a chore shoveling this stuff can be – and what a strain it can place on your body, especially the neck and back muscles
One way to make removing snow easier on your body is to use a push blade with wheels, a snow scoop, or a snow shovel with an ergonomic type handle instead of a typical snow shovel. Shoveling and scoping with a typical snow shovel can put a large amount of strain on your neck and low back muscles. However, pushing the snow with a push shovel lessens the strain on the neck and lower back. If the snow is too deep, use a snow blower to clear your path.
Chiropractor in Stamford CT always suggest a few tried and true procedures for snow-shoveling in order to avoid hurting your neck, shoulders and back:
– Only shovel loose snow, never hard-packed or partially frozen snow. Hard-packed snow, or frozen snow is heavy. Breaking it loose, then lifting a heavy, loaded shovel will increase the strain to your body and increase the likelihood of hurting your neck, shoulder and back muscles.
– Shovel the snow when there is only a small amount of snow on the ground, not more than 2-4 inches. This ensures that it will be looser and lighter. You may have to shovel more often during a snowstorm, but this makes for much less strain on your neck and back than lifting heavy snow.
– Push the snow to the side of the walkway or driveway, rather than shoveling and piling.
– Take breaks often to rest your muscles.
– Alternate your hands and feet frequently.
– Make sure your shovel is as sharp.
– Use an ergonomic shovel with a handle on it.
– Make sure one hand is mid-shaft for easier shoveling.
– If you decide to throw snow, make sure you throw it a short distance from your body. The further you throw the snow, the easier it is to strain your neck muscles.
– Only small amounts of snow should be shoveled at a time. Large amounts are too heavy and can strain muscles.
– Don’t turn or twist your neck while lifting a full shovel.
– Use your thigh as a fulcrum or a “teeter-totter” for tough shoveling.
– Move close to the area you are shoveling. Don’t reach or stretch.
– Keep the loaded shovel as close to your body as possible.
– Always keep your back and neck straight, bend at the knees and hips.
Do you have a question regarding neck, shoulder or back pain or any other health problem? If so, you can contact Dr. Scott Bender and Chiropractors in CT at 203-803-1555, or visit the webpage http://chiropractorsinct.com/.