Hands-On Update
January 2011, Issue 11 |
Reduce your chance of injury while shoveling snow
An ounce of prevention......
Shoveling snow can be very strenuous for the healthy person and dangerous for those with underlying health issues. Back injuries can be the least of the problems that might occur. Lifting heavy snow, in cold weather, for prolonged periods can put increased stress on your heart. People with a history of heart disease should get clearance from their physician before considering shoveling snow.
Back injuries are very common during this time of the year and especially with snow on the ground. The following steps can help reduce your chance of injury: 1. Warm-up before going outside. Perform your spinal prevention program, hamstring/quadricep/calf stretching, and a whole body warm-up like jumping jacks or jogging in place.
2. Bend your knees and maintain a hollow in your lower back when bending to get the snow and never twist and throw! 3. Lift small piles at a time. 4. Use a newer design shovel that will reduce that amount of bending required. 5. Avoid prolonged periods of sitting when you are done. Instead, consider lying down or even lie on your stomach for a short time to reduce stress on the spinal discs.
Don't wait to get help
Don't waste time when problems develop. Most low back pain should respolve within three days. If it persists, contact us immediately at 732-747-1262 for an appointment or email Dr. Bertone at [email protected] and begin the road to recovery.
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db Hands-On Video Tips This month's tip is taken from the TV show, "The Doctor's," which did a segment on the proper way to shovel snow.
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