Is Your Shoveling Technique Causing You Injury?

Snow Shoveling: Is It Making My Back Hurt?

Does your back hurt after shoveling? If you are experiencing back pain after snow removal, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will review snow shoveling and the proper techniques to ensure you stay pain-free this winter season. 

Warmup

Before you even get the shovel out, it's best to stretch and warm up. This can help loosen up the muscles and make them less likely to sustain injury. Your warmup routine helps prepare your body for the demanding physical requirements of snow shoveling. 

• Your warm up technique could include a variety of stretches including:
• Jumping Jacks
• Arm Circles/Hip Circles/Ankle Circles
• Knee-To-Chest Stretch
• Neck and Calf Stretches
• Back Arch

Shoveling Technique 

Snow shoveling requires bending, lifting, and twisting which can wreck havoc on your back. Doing this incorrectly can lead to acute injuries and bring to light any existing back problems. By implementing small changes to your snow removal technique can lead to a pain-free removal. 

• Bend at the knees
• Keep your back straight
• Lift piles with your legs

Cold Weather

Because of the low temperatures that winter brings, the cold weather makes your muscles less flexible and they become more susceptible to strain. By making sure that you are dressed appropriately will decrease your likelihood of injury.

• Thermals or Insulated Attire
• Water-Proof Boots
• Gloves, Earmuffs, and Scarves

Overexertion

When tackling large areas of snow, some people try to clear these areas quickly. This can lead to an increased risk of back injury. By taking your time and planning ahead, you can lower your risk for injury and keep yourself safe. 

• Pre-plan your snow removal strategy (by sections)
• Take frequent breaks
• Stay hydrated

A few other things to consider when it comes to back injury and snow shoveling is any pre-existing back conditions can certainly be irritated with even the slightest wrong move. By warming up, using proper shoveling techniques, dressing appropriately, and taking your time, can help keep you injury-free this winter and your property cleared. 

If you have decided that hiring a snow removal company is a better option for you and you live in the Madison, WI area, give the team at Madison Snow Removal a call today at (608) 561-7669 and let us take the stress of snow removal away. With our experience and trustworthiness, you can rely on us to remove the snow from your property and keep you, your family, and your customers safe. We offer "Winter Packages" for commercial properties and discounts for neighborhoods and HOA partnerships. 

We service all of Dane County, WI including:

Madison, Tenney-Lapham, Wingra Park, Eken Park, Old Market Place, State-Langdon, Dudgeon-Monroe, Emerson East, Norman Acres, University Hill Farms, Dunn's Marsh, Bram's Addition, Mansion Hill Historic District, Capitol View Heights, Brentwood Village, Sunset Village, Glen Oak Hills, Starkweather, Sherman Terrace, Sherman, Summit Woods, and all surrounding areas. 

Madison Snow Removal

www.madisonsnowremoval.com

(608) 561-SNOW (7669)