During the winter months, you will often need to wake up early before work to shovel the snow that has accumulated overnight on your driveway. While shoveling snow is often seen as just another simple chore, there are
serious risks involved. The following are some tips for properly shoveling snow without injuring yourself.
Take it Slow
Allow yourself enough time in the morning to shovel snow at a comfortable pace, and stretch out your body beforehand to avoid straining any muscles. Rushing through it drastically increases the risk of injury. When you become tired, take a short break to regain some of your energy.
If you feel like you’re unable to shovel on your own, don’t be afraid to ask a family member or neighbor to help you. You can also invest in a snow blower if shoveling is too strenuous of a task. If you injure yourself while shoveling snow, contact a licensed medical professional to assess the injury.
Best Methods for Shoveling
The best method for shoveling snow is to push the snow instead of lifting it up. If the snow is thick and you must pick it up with a shovel, only lift what you can comfortably carry. Using a small shovel will help with avoiding an overbearing amount of weight.
Always lift with your legs, because you can seriously injure yourself if you lift with your back. Picking up a heavy object is one of the most common causes of a back injury. As with any outdoor activity during the winter, you need to dress appropriately.
Wear a coat, gloves, scarf, and a hat to keep your body warm to avoid hypothermia. Drink plenty of water before and after shoveling and during breaks to avoid dehydration from the physical activity.
Contact Mid Atlantic Orthopedic Associates, LLP.
If you live in New Jersey and you experience an injury while shoveling snow or any other physical activity, don’t hesitate to set up an appointment with Mid Atlantic Orthopedic Associates, LLP. It’s best to address an injury as soon as possible to start the recovery process before it escalates into something more serious.
Our trained doctors specialize in spine, hip and knee, foot and ankle, osteoporosis treatment, hand and upper extremity, and fracture care operations. Give us a call at (732) 238-8800 or contact us to schedule a consultation.
