SHOVELING 101

How to shovel safely and protect your back

Shoveling is an activity that we have to do at least 4 months per year, and unfortunately, many of our patients injure themselves while shoveling. This is because in shoveling, it is a repetitive, heavy lifting task with many rotations and twists in the low back... that is, if shoveling is not done properly.

To shovel in a safe manner, follow these quick tips:

1) Lift with your legs, not your back

2) Do not rotate through our back, instead, pivot through your hips and feet to rotate

3) Change sides for the shovel so as not to constantly strain the same side of the back

4) It is better to shovel small piles instead of trying to lift a humungous chunk of snow

Check out our video for a quick demonstration: