Services & Techniques

Every winter, we get a few big snowstorms and inevitably, our patients will come in with low back pain after shoveling too much. Probably one of the worst things you can do is scoop or lift any weight, and then try to twist with it. The low back simply is not designed for that (ask me to show you on a spine model how the facets line up and it will make perfect sense!) 

So you’re thinking – ‘yeah – but someone has to do it!’

My best advice? Small scoops shoveling the snow FORWARD! Yes forward. Don’t try and twist and throw it over your shoulder. Be realistic with yourself and your physical ability. Do some light stretching and warm your body up. Use a good shovel. Lighten your load, which yes this likely means multiple trips but your back will thank you! Keep up with the snowfall if you can and don’t be afraid to take breaks! Okay – you might be rolling your eyes, but you get my point. You only get one spine – take care of it!