Shoveling Snow in Cedar Rapids IA

It's that time of year again-the dreaded snow shoveling weather (at least for Dr. Stephanie!) Believe it or not, there is a right and wrong way to shovel the heavy white stuff. Paying attention to how you shovel snow can make a big difference in how you feel the next day. Consider these snow shoveling safety tips in Cedar Rapids IA to lessen the stress and strain on your body.

How to shovel snow without hurting your back in Cedar Rapids IA

1. Be prepared. Spray your shovel with Teflon so the snow will not stick to it. The more snow that stays on the shovel, the heavier it gets and the more chance for injury - and frustration.
2. Do a warm-up first. A tight, stiff body is asking for injury. A few minutes of stretching can save you a lot of pain later. When you are shoveling, don't forget to breathe. Holding your breath makes you tight and stiff.
3. Layer your clothing. Layered clothing will keep your muscles warm and flexible. You can shed a layer if you get too hot. Make sure you wear gloves that cover your wrists; if your wrists get cold, your fingers, hands and arms will be cold, too.
4. Wear the right shoes. Choose shoes or boots with plenty of cushioning in the soles to absorb the impact of walking on hard, frozen ground.
5. Use the right size shovel. Your shovel should be about chest high on you, allowing you to keep your back straight when lifting. A shovel with a short staff forces you to bend more to lift the load. A too-tall shovel makes the weight heavier at the end. (Note: Save your money - don't buy a fancy ergonomic shovel; studies have shown that in some models, the hook end is too deep. Twisting to unload a shovelful of snow with this tool may hurt your wrists.) Also keep one hand close to the base of the shovel to balance weight and lessen the strain on your back.
6. Timing is everything. Listen to weather forecasts so you can shovel in ideal conditions. If possible, wait until the afternoon to shovel. Many disc injuries occur in the morning when there is increased fluid pressure in the disc because your body has been at rest all night. Also, shoveling a few inches every couple of hours if possible, is better than shoveling multiple inches at once, at the completion of the snowfall, if your schedule allows. It may take more time, but it will be better for your spine in the long run.
7. Drink lots of water. Drinking water frequently throughout the day helps to keep muscles and body hydrated. Be careful with hot drinks like coffee or hot chocolate. Coffee contains caffeine, which has a dehydrating effect and adds even more stress to the body.
8. Use proper posture. When you do shovel, bend your knees and keep your back straight while lifting with your legs. Push the snow straight ahead; don't try to throw it. Walk it to the snow bank. Try to shovel forward to avoid sudden twists of the torso and reduce strain on the back. Using the "scissors stance," is a posture in which you work with one foot forward for a few minutes and then shift to the other foot.
9. Take your time. Working too hard, too fast is an easy way to strain muscles. Take frequent breaks. Shovel for about five minutes at a time and then rest for two minutes.
10. See us at Integrated Medicine of Iowa. Gentle spinal manipulation will help keep your back flexible and minimize the chance for injury. If you do overdo it, we can help you feel better and prevent more injury.

Give us a call at (319) 395-9897 to schedule an appointment! We look forward to seeing you!