We’ve already had some major snowfalls in the Chicago area this winter, and can expect some more. We hope that all our patients at Natural Care Chiropractic in Lindenhurst are taking the necessary steps to protect themselves while shoveling. Every year, many people incur herniated discs while clearing their driveways and sidewalks, so we thought it would be a good idea to provide some pointers.
It’s important to be dressed appropriately for shoveling. That means wearing boots with treads and clothing that is flexible enough to allow for easy movement. It also means people shouldn’t allow anything, like a scarf, to dangle and potentially get caught. People should favor lightweight shovels that have long enough handles to be used without stooping over. They should also do a five minute warm-up prior to shoveling.
Most injuries occur because people twist at their lower backs while throwing snow. It is much better to turn the entire body, and to bend at the hips and knees instead of at the lower back. People should also take care that they don’t overload the shovel, and may want to consider a curved shovel that will push snow instead of lifting it. Doing anything repetitively will cause muscle stress, so it’s also a good idea to take a break about every fifteen minutes. And if you have suffered an injury while shoveling, we’re available to help by providing manual adjustments and therapeutic exercise.
Dr. Mark Freund and Dr. Nicole Gopaul run Natural Care Chiropractic at 2118 East Grand Avenue, Lindenhurst, Illinois, 60046. To schedule an appointment, visit our request an appointment page or call 847-265-0600.