Winter shoveling tips

During the winter season, shoveling is often a significant cause of injuries involving the neck, back and shoulder. This can be minimized by implementing some simple shoveling techniques.

• As with any physical activity, you should warm up prior to starting. Warm up for 5-10 minutes to increase circulation and improve joint mobility before you start.
• Make sure you have proper footwear to minimize chance of falls.
• Avoid twisting to throw the snow. Instead of throwing, push the snow to the side.
• Use your legs for strength when pushing and lifting and keep a neutral back.
• Shovel frequently instead of letting snow pile up.

For more information on this topic, see the following post by the Ontario Chiropractic Association