Chiro One Wellness Centers offer the following tips on how to shovel snow safely:
Consider the following before you grab your shovel after a major snowfall – there is a right way and a wrong way to shovel snow – paying attention to your technique can make a big difference in how you feel the next day. As with any project, the prep work is the most important.Be prepared. Spray your shovel with Teflon so the snow will not stick to it. The more snow that stays on the shovel, the heavier it gets and the more chance for injury – and frustration.
Do a warm-up first. A tight, stiff body is asking for injury. A few minutes of stretching can save you a lot of pain later. When you are shoveling, don't forget to breathe. Holding your breath makes you tight and stiff.
Layer your clothing. Layered clothing will keep your muscles warm and flexible. You can shed a layer if you get too hot. Make sure you wear gloves that cover your wrists; if your wrists get cold, your fingers, hands and arms will be cold, too.
Wear the right shoes. Choose shoes with plenty of cushioning in the soles to absorb the impact of walking on hard, frozen ground.
Use the right size shovel. Your shovel should be about chest high on you, allowing you to keep your back straight when lifting. A shovel with a short staff forces you to bend more to lift the load. A too-tall shovel makes the weight heavier at the end. (Note: Save your money – don't buy a fancy ergonomic shovel; studies have shown that in some models, the hook end is too deep. Twisting to unload a shovelful of snow with this tool may hurt your wrists.) Also keep one hand close to the base of the shovel to balance weight and lessen the strain on your back.
Timing is everything. Listen to weather forecasts so you can shovel in ideal conditions. If possible, wait until the afternoon to shovel. Many disc injuries occur in the morning when there is increased fluid pressure in the disc because your body has been at rest all night.
Drink lots of water. Drinking water frequently throughout the day helps to keep muscles and body hydrated. Be careful with hot drinks like coffee or hot chocolate. Coffee contains caffeine, which has a dehydrating effect and adds even more stress to the body.
Use proper posture. When you do shovel, bend your knees and keep your back straight while lifting with your legs. Push the snow straight ahead; don't try to throw it. Walk it to the snow bank. Try to shovel forward to avoid sudden twists of the torso and reduce strain on the back. Chiro One Wellness Centers recommends using the "scissors stance," in which you work with your right foot forward for a few minutes and then shift to the front foot.
Take your time. Working too hard, too fast is an easy way to strain muscles. Take frequent breaks. Shovel for about five minutes at a time and then rest for two minutes.
See your chiropractor. Gentle spinal manipulation will help keep your back flexible and minimize the chance for injury. If you do overdo it, your chiropractor can help you feel better and prevent more injury.
Chiro One Wellness Center of The Loop
Dr. LaVar Larks, Clinic Director
10 S. LaSalle St., Ste. 1110
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: (312) 564-5420
Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, Dr. LaVar Larks, a Chicago Loop Chiropractor, is proud to call Chicago home and serves as Clinic Director of Chiro One Wellness Center of The Loop. Dr. LaVar's journey to become a Chiropractor began with his own experience when he suffered back pain in high school and found hope and healing through chiropractic. Armed with his new found belief in the bodies innate intelligence to heal itself and a desire to fulfill a promise made to his grandmother to become a doctor, Dr. LaVar became a Doctor of Chiropractic and is passionate about helping people and serving the Chicagoland community.
Dr. LaVar attended the University of Delaware where he earned his B.S. in Health Exercise and Science. He later attended Parker College of Chiropractic where he obtained his Doctorate of Chiropractic (D.C.).
Dr. LaVar served as a missionary to the citizens of Panama in the spring of 2008 where he joined a group of 30 doctors providing chiropractic care and serving over 50,000 people. Dr. LaVar has also received specialized training in golf injuries, and was part of a 10 doctor medical personnel team taking care of athletes participating in Florida's Sunshine State Games in the spring of 2008.
Dr. LaVar lives by the credo, "The power that made the body, heals the body." He believes the best thing you can do for your health is to take care of your nervous system. Dr. LaVar enjoys a variety of pastimes including traveling, football, diving and scuba diving.
Dr. LaVar is accepting new patients and can be reached at (312) 564-5420 or via email at Copyright © 2024 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
