Snow Shoveling Tips

This morning I shoveled the wet heavy snow off my driveway and off the walkway in front of my office.  The snow is extremely heavy and difficult to move.  Snow shoveling can be exercise for your body or it can really hurt you.  Here are some tips to help you get the most out of the experience…

• Warm up before you shovel:  if you can take a walk, or get your body moving before you pick up the shovel, this will help prepare your muscles for the work.
• Stretch before, during and after you shovel:  You don’t have to stretch a lot during the shoveling, but a short stretch break will help.
• Use your arms and legs:  your arms and legs are the workers of your body (the spine isn’t).
• Look straight ahead:  looking down all the time will injure your neck.
• Dress appropriately:  don’t over do the clothing.  You are moving your body and anything that restricts movement will not go unnoticed.
• Take your time:  no one said this was a race.
• Do what you can: if you are out of shape, or just don’t feel like you can finish it all, break it up into segments.
• Drink water before, during and after:  keep your body hydrated.
• Shovel as it snows:  this keeps the depth at a minimum.  Shoveling 2 inches 3 times is a lot easier than 6 inches all at once.
• Be aware of your surroundings:  watch out for trees, cars, cracks in the driveway and sloping areas.  Getting injured is just no fun.
• Have some fun:  get the kids, the dog and the whole family involved.

Remember to think of snow shoveling as exercise instead of work.  Your body can actually benefit from getting outside and moving.  Resistance exercise builds bone density.

If you experience pain or discomfort while shoveling, stop and seek care.  In our office we help all types of people who have hurt themselves.  There is a better way to take care of your body, we can show you how.

Let us show you how Awesome Upper Cervical Care can restore balance to your body and help you get out of pain and live again.  Call 810-225-7246 today, all you have to lose is your pain.