Snow Shoveling Related Injuries and Prevention in Wheaton MD

Snow Shoveling Related Injuries and Prevention
in Wheaton MD

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Snow removal in Wheaton is more than just another necessary household chore. According to the 2013 US Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 28,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries that happened while shoveling or removing ice and snow manually. The most common injuries associated with snow removal include sprains and strains, particularly in the back and shoulders caused by overworking your muscles, bending, lifting of heavy snow, falling, and being hit with the shovel.

Here are some tips that can help you avoid winter back injuries:

  • Wear slip-resistant shoes;
  • Warm up you muscles with gentle exercise. Stretch your back, hamstrings, quadriceps, and shoulders;
  • Use a shovel of a appropriate height and weight for you. Shovel must let you keep your back straight while lifting;
  • Try to push the snow instead of lifting it. If you must lift, squat with your legs apart, back straight. Take care to lift with your legs, rather than with your back;
  • Because the spine cannot tolerate twisting, avoid this movement as much as possible. Instead, step in the direction in which you are throwing the snow to prevent the low back from twisting;
  • Avoid scooping and lifting large amount of snow. Lift smaller loads of snow and take frequent breaks.

If snow related injuries have caused you pain or limited your activity, visit our office at Wheaton Chiropractic. Stay warm and happy shoveling!

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