register |  login
› AMHERST, CLARENCE
Loading Ad
Visit Other Hubs:
ADVERTISEMENT
Loading Tower

Story


SNOW SHOVELLING TIPS FOR BACK-PAIN PREVENTION

Contributed by: Dr. Kevin M. Nightingale on 2/13/2007


SNOW SHOVELLING TIPS CRUCIAL TO BACK-PAIN PREVENTION

Back specialists point to snow shoveling, slips, and falls as top causes of preventable winter back pain.

The arrival of winter's snowstorms not only forecasts a long winter of snow shoveling, but also hails the beginning of all-too-common back and muscle pain. As back-pain specialists, chiropractors report that snow-shoveling, one of the leading causes of back and neck pain during the winter months, are often the result of poor shoveling techniques. The number of patients visiting chiropractors with complaints of back and muscle pain or injuries typically increases following a heavy snowfall in many cases these problems are preventable, so it's important that people learn how to shovel properly.

Shoveling snow can involve heavy exertion and anyone unaccustomed to challenging physical activity is vulnerable to back problems and must proceed with caution. It is important to pace yourself based on your physical fitness level. Warm-up your muscles, use your leg and arm muscles to lift while bending at the knees, keep your back straight, and take frequent breaks. If you take care and follow a few simple rules, you should have a safe and healthy winter. Improper technique can be anything from bending at the waist instead of at the knees to throwing snow instead of pushing it. Combining improper technique with the average weight of one shovelful of snow (six to ten pounds) can result in serious problems for both adults and the children. Caution should also be taken on icy walkways and slippery surfaces as Intermittent thaws and subsequent freezing can lead to ice building up underfoot, resulting in nasty slips and falls. These types of mishaps can cause serious strained, bruised or torn muscles, and in some cases, broken bones.

How to Lift and Shovel Snow Correctly!!!
Chiropractors are experts in the area of back, muscle pain, joint pain and other disorders. As education and preparedness are the keys to correcting and avoiding many health problems, the following are preventive tips:

1) Warm-up.Before beginning any snow removal, warm-up for five to ten minutes to get the joints moving and increase blood circulation. To do this, march on the spot, climb the stairs, or go for a quick walk around the block. Follow this with some gentle stretches for the back (knee to chest), arms and shoulders (body hug), and legs (forward bends from a seated position). This will ensure that your body is ready for action.

2) Bend your knees. Use your knees, leg and arm muscles to do the pushing and lifting while keeping your back straight. Bending forward while shoveling, increases the weight of what you are lifting by about 10 times. That's why it's important to keep your back straight.

3) Don't let the snow pile up. Removing small amounts of snow on a frequent basis is less strenuous in the long run.

4) Pick the right shovel. Use a lightweight, non-stick, push-style shovel.

5) Push, don't throw. Push the snow to one side and avoid throwing it. If you must throw it, avoid twisting and turning - position yourself to throw straight at the snow pile.

6) Watch the ice. Coarse sand, ice salt, ice melter, or even kitty litter can help to give sidewalks and driveways more traction, reducing the chance of a slip or fall.

7) Wear proper footwear. Shoes and boots with solid treads on the soles can help to minimize the risk of slips and falls. Switching your custom-made orthotics into your shoes during shoveling maintains proper arch support and shock absorption. Your orthotics will also maintain proper alignment of your knees, hips, and lower back.

8) Take a break. If you feel tired or short of breath, stop and take a rest. Make it a habit to rest for a moment or two for every 10 or 15 minutes of shoveling. This is especially important if the snow is wet and heavy. Stop shoveling immediately if you feel chest or back pain. Seek medical advice or see a chiropractor if you experience back pain.

Chiropractors diagnose, treat, and work to prevent disorders related to the spine, joints, nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Those who are healthy should use the proper shoveling techniques so they can stay healthy.

Remember to Lift and Shovel Snow Correctly. For more information, please contact: Dr. Kevin M. Nightingale or stop in his office for a complimentary postural evaluation and a state of the art computerized biomechanical foot and gait analysis.

Dr. Kevin M. Nightingale
Nightingale Chiropractic & Wellness
154 Plaza Dr. (Dash's Plaza @ Hopkins & Klein)
Williamsville, NY 14221
(716)-204-0784
KevinNightingale@gmail.com




SUBMIT COMMENT

Rate the above story



Current Rating
Based on 1 user ratings.

Talk Back : submit comments to the story

*Note: you need to log-in to add a comment or rating.

MORE STORIES
 


‹‹ first ‹ back1 2 3 next › last ››
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Dr. Krieger's September Health Tip of... 
(Not Rated) Author: Dr. Bill Krieger
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Summer Wanes, but Skin Cancer Risk Do... 
(Not Rated) Author: Kandis Fuller
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Dr. Krieger's August Health Tip of th...  ( 2 Photos )
(Not Rated) Author: Dr. Bill Krieger
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Grapefruit Juice Given Medications Gr...  ( 1 Photo )
(Not Rated) Author: Dorothy Kamm, Yates & Associates
Monday, July 07, 2008
Dr. Krieger's July Health Tip of the ...  ( 2 Photos )
(Not Rated) Author: Dr. Bill Krieger
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Dr. Krieger's June Health Tip of the ...  ( 1 Photo )
(Not Rated) Author: Dr. Bill Krieger
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Dr. Krieger's May Health Tip  ( 1 Photo )
(Not Rated) Author: Dr. Bill Krieger
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Learn how to live longer  ( 1 Photo )
(Not Rated) Author: Les Robinson
Meridian Stress Assessment helps you ...  ( 1 Photo )
Author: Les Robinson
Free Eligibility Screenings  ( 1 Photo )
(Not Rated) Author: Kandis Fuller
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Univera Healthcare encourages bicycle... 
(Not Rated) Author: Kandis Fuller
Monday, April 14, 2008
Safely Spring into Seasonal Activity 
(Not Rated) Author: Stacy Sellka
Monday, April 07, 2008
Dr. Krieger's April Health Tip of the...  ( 1 Photo )
(Not Rated) Author: Dr. Bill Krieger
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Amherst Students Thankful for Fun 2B Fit  ( 1 Photo )
(Not Rated) Author: Virginia McAuliffe
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Dr. Krieger's March Health Tip of the...  ( 1 Photo )
(Not Rated) Author: Dr. Bill Krieger
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Dr. Krieger's February Health Tip of ...  ( 1 Photo )
(Not Rated) Author: Dr. Bill Krieger
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Generic Fill Rate Saved Upstate NY Ov... 
(Not Rated) Author: Kandis Fuller
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Dr. Krieger's January Health Tip of t...  ( 1 Photo )
(Not Rated) Author: Dr. Bill Krieger
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Dr. Krieger's December Health Tip of ...  ( 1 Photo )
(Not Rated) Author: Dr. Bill Krieger
Monday, November 05, 2007
Dr. Krieger's November Health Tip of ...  ( 1 Photo )
(Not Rated) Author: Dr. Bill Krieger
‹‹ first ‹ back1 2 3 next › last ››
CONTRIBUTOR INFO

Dr. Kevin M. Nightingale

Williamsville , NY

Dr. Kevin M. Nightingale has posted 5 stories and 0 comments since joining on 2/13/2007. Dr. Kevin M. Nightingale 's average story rating is 5.
STORY RSS FEEDS
SAVE AND SHARE THIS STORY
LATEST POSTINGS
ADVERTISEMENT
Loading Ad

Loading Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Loading Ad

This YourHub.com community is produced by Buffalo.com - Everything Buffalo
Web Development and Channel Analytics provided by Indigio

terms of use //  privacy policy
help & faq //  advertise