If not performed correctly, snow shoveling is strenuous exercise that has great potential for injury. One way to approach this task involves thinking of yourself as the fulcrum (pivot point), the shovel as the lever, and the snow as the load. At the length of a shovel, it takes about 16 pounds of force to lift 6 pounds of snow. The denser the snow, the more effort it takes. To ease the difficulty of the task, it helps to move closer to the snow (effectively reducing the length of the lever) and bend at the knees (not the waist). These steps help to lighten the load and shift the effort away from the lower-back muscles to the stronger leg muscles.
FAMILY PRACTICE OF CHIROPRACTIC welcomes anyone having a variety of pains and issues such as neck or back pain, headache, migraine, and many more. Patients come and receive comprehensive consultations that include thorough spinal examination before starting care. We are located at 112 McGrath Hwy., Quincy, where we are currently accepting new patients. We offer computerized spinal scans.
P.S. When twisting their upper bodies to toss away the snow, snow shovelers subject their lower backs, shoulders, and knees to twisting forces that can harm joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
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For Your Health,
Dr. Gabrielle Freedman