Do you dread shoveling snow every winter? You’re not alone – there’s nothing worse than heading outside in the cold after a storm to face piles of slippery and heavy snow. While it might seem like an insurmountable task, shoveling can be done without straining your back if you know how to do it properly.
In this blog post, we’ll walk through some tips on how to shovel snow without hurting your back – so that when those flakes start falling next year, you won’t be left wondering what to do. Keep reading for advice from experts on how to make the job easier!
Is It Normal for Your Back to Hurt after Shoveling?
Shoveling snow is an activity that can cause a great deal of strain on your back. After shoveling, it is quite common to experience some degree of discomfort or pain in one’s lower back. This post-shoveling soreness often comes from the repetitive strain of lifting and tossing heavy piles of snow. It is also a result of using improper techniques while shoveling.
Before shoveling, it’s important to prepare your body for the activity by stretching and warming up. This will help you avoid straining yourself while lifting or tossing the snow. Many people underestimate how much strain they put on their back when shoveling, and this can lead to more serious injuries.
If you experience back pain after shoveling, it’s important to take a break from the activity and give your body time to rest. You may also want to consider using an ergonomic shovel with a handle that is designed for comfort and support for your back. Taking frequent breaks can help reduce the strain on your back and alleviate the pain.
Although post-shoveling soreness is normal, if you experience severe pain or long-lasting discomfort, then it’s important to speak with a doctor as soon as possible. Ignoring the issue could lead to more serious injuries down the road, so make sure to get checked out by a professional.
Shoveling snow is an important winter chore, but it’s also important to take the necessary precautions in order to avoid straining your back. It’s essential to use proper technique, warm up before shoveling, and take regular breaks during the activity. If you experience any pain after shoveling, take time to rest and make sure to visit a doctor if the pain persists.
9 Methods on How to Shovel Snow Without Hurting Your Back
1. Use a Snow Blower.
If you have a snow blower, this is by far the best way to shovel snow without hurting your back. Snow blowers do all the work for you and can make short work of even the heaviest snowfalls. If you don’t have a snow blower, you can usually rent one from a local hardware store. While investing in a snow blower may be expensive, it will save your back from the strain of manual shoveling.
2. Invest in a Good Snow Shovel.
A good snow shovel can make a big difference in how easy it is to shovel snow. Look for a shovel that is lightweight and has an ergonomic design. This will help you to avoid putting too much strain on your back.
Look for a shovel with a D-grip handle and an adjustable length so that you can customize the handle height to best suit your body. While steel shovels are more durable, plastic blades can be easier to maneuver and are less likely to damage your driveway or sidewalk.
3. Warm up Before You Start Shoveling.
Just like with any physical activity, it’s important to warm up your muscles before you start shoveling snow. Take a few minutes to walk around or do some light stretching before you begin.
This will help to prevent injuries. If you do get sore after shoveling, take a break and perform some gentle stretches. This can help to alleviate the pain and discomfort. Although it may take a little bit of extra time, taking the proper precautions to warm up and cool down can make a big difference in preventing injury.
4. Use Proper Form when Shoveling.
When you are actually shoveling the snow, be sure to use proper form. Bend at your knees, not your waist, and keep your back straight. Avoid twisting your body as you lift the snow.
These simple tips will help you to avoid putting too much strain on your back. For heavier loads of snow, use a smaller shovel and take several trips to move it, rather than trying to lift it all at once. Finally, be sure to change up your grip on the shovel throughout the job, which will help reduce fatigue.
5. Take Breaks Often.
Don’t try to power through and shovel all the snow at once. You’ll only end up tired and sore. Instead, take breaks often so that you can rest your muscles and avoid getting too fatigued.
If you have to, break the job up into chunks and do it over multiple days. This will help reduce strain on your body and make the task more manageable. Try to take a break every 15 minutes or so to give your body a chance to rest and recover from the strenuous activity.
6. Drink Plenty of Fluids.
It’s important to stay hydrated when you are shoveling snow, as you can lose a lot of fluids through sweating. Be sure to drink plenty of water or sports drinks while you are working so that you don’t become dehydrated. You should also take regular breaks in order to rest and rehydrate.
This will help to keep your energy levels up and prevent fatigue, which can lead to a strained back. While you are taking a break, take the time to stretch out any tight muscles or joints in order to avoid injury.
7. Dress Appropriately for the Weather Conditions.
If it’s cold outside, be sure to dress warmly so that you don’t get too cold while you are shoveling snow. Wear layers of clothing that will keep you warm but won’t make you too sweaty as well. And be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from the cold weather conditions.
Additionally, be sure to wear proper footwear with good grips, such as boots, so you don’t slip while shoveling. If you have to shovel for longer periods of time, you may want to consider wearing a face mask or scarf in order to protect yourself from inhaling the cold air.
8. See a Doctor if Pain Persists.
If you experience any pain after shoveling snow, be sure to take a break and rest your body for a few days. If the pain doesn’t go away or gets worse, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible in order to avoid potential injuries down the road.
A doctor can give you a full evaluation and provide advice on how to shovel snow safely in the future. This may include stretching, strengthening, or other exercises to help protect your back from further injury. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to shoveling snow and protecting your back.
9. Push the Snow Instead of Lifting It.
If you can, try to push the snow instead of lifting it. This will reduce the strain on your back and help you to avoid any potential injuries. You can use a shovel to push the snow, but it’s even better if you have access to a snow pusher. It is specifically designed to push the snow rather than lift it, so it’s much easier on your back. This may take a bit more time, but it’s well worth it for your back’s sake.
Things to Consider When Shoveling Snow Without Hurting Your Back
1. Use the Right Shovel
Make sure you have a shovel that’s suitable for the job. There are several different types of shovels available, from lightweight plastic snow shovels to heavy-duty metal snow scoops.
Choose a shovel that’s the right size for you and is comfortable to hold. If you have an existing back injury, try using a lighter-weight or ergonomic shovel with a bent handle, as this may be easier on your body.
You Can Also Check It Out Date Old Shovels
2. Dress for the Weather
It’s important to wear warm clothes and layers when shoveling snow in cold weather. Dressing appropriately can help keep you from getting too cold, which will make it easier to stay focused on the job at hand. Wear sturdy shoes or boots with good traction to prevent slipping and falling.
3. Warm Up Before You Start
Just like any other type of physical activity, it’s important to warm up your muscles before you start shoveling snow. A few minutes of light stretching can help increase blood flow and reduce the risk of injury.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to shovel snow without hurting your back, there’s no excuse not to get out there and enjoy the winter weather! Just be sure to dress warmly, take breaks often, and use proper form when lifting those heavy snowbanks.
And if you have any lingering doubts about your technique, consult a certified personal trainer or doctor before getting started. With these tips in mind, happy shoveling!
You Can Also Check It Out to Use a Core Drill
