Shoveling snow improperly can damage joints and overwork, sprain, or tear muscles, particularly along your rotator cuff or lower back. It can also put life-threatening stress on your most important muscle: your heart. Shoveling snow can even trigger heart attacks. (Source)

What are the Four Most Common Injuries from Shoveling Snow?

According to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, snow shoveling can cause acute musculoskeletal exertion injuries including some very painful conditions. Here is a list of four common musculoskeletal injuries:

Back injury
Shoulder pain from shoveling snow
Pulled or strained muscles
Injuries caused by falling (Source)
When shoveling snow it is always a good idea to use proper techniques and wear safe gear. Stretching is step #1 in snow shoveling the safe way. Once you step outside and start wielding your shovel, remember the following:

Bend your knees and lift with your legs.
As you lift the snow, keep the shovel blade close to you, to reduce back strain.
Switch off between shoveling right-handed and left-handed, so that you’re working different muscles.
Periodically change your grip on the hand holding the bar (palm under vs. palm over).
When the snowfall is heavy, don’t try to clean right down to the ground with a single scoop. Instead, skim the top off, then scoop up the bottom. Otherwise, you could be hurting yourself by lifting too much. (Source)

CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR SNOW SHOVELING INJURIES IS HELPFUL
Despite your best efforts, you may still find yourself sore for days after shoveling. Don’t just let the pain go away on its own, or you may find yourself worsening the underlying issue.

It’s possible that you have popped a bone or disc out of alignment and need professional help to restore balance. Not only can chiropractic adjustments realign your spine, but they may also soothe irritation and inflammation to the nerves. (Source)

Your chiropractor will start with a comprehensive testing to determine what ails you. This includes taking a medical history, assessing the injury, and evaluating your musculoskeletal structures and nervous system. Lower back muscles could be injured (a strain), ligaments could be damaged (a sprain), or both. It’s also possible that you injured one or more joints in your spine or a disc—the rubber-like pads that act as shock absorbers between vertebrae. Care is based on each individual and the nature of the injury. Your visit might include a neuro-spinal adjustment. (Source)

Dr. Mooberry is a Denver chiropractor at Lifetime Wellness & Chiropractic. He is well versed in the care of neuro-spinal conditions with chiropractic care. Dr. Isaac Mooberry is considered one of the leading experts in improving health holistically across the nation. Make sure you get your annual neuro-spinal check up to see how you are doing.