While shoveling snow … watch your back

With the large amount of snow on our driveways, and the plows doing their job of cleaning the street and depositing a second helping in front of your driveway, all of us need to be concern of our health, when shoveling the snow around our homes. First, you need to know whether you're healthy enough to perform activities of snow shoveling, because it increases stress to your heart and cardiovascular, that many individuals are not aware, and can often cause a sudden heart attack, following the activity. It's advisable, that one obtains consent from their doctor, before performing such activity. Secondly, if you're physically and healthy enough, one needs to be aware of their bodily movements and to be aware of their back, while shoveling and lifting large amounts of snow, especially when clearing the end of their driveway. To prevent back injury, one needs to shovel with care, bending knees slightly when lifting, and to core one's back region, by supporting the back muscles. To do this, one needs to engage and contract one's stomach muscles in the abdomen regional. In other words, you need to "suck your stomach in" with the activity, while bending, twisting and lifting. By so doing, it provides one with better posture when lifting and further stabilizes the lower back region. This allows the individual to use the additional strength of his upper body, including our arms and upper chest region. Attempt often, by pushing the snow with your shovel, and to avoid excessive bending. It's also recommended to take frequent breaks, to prevent exhaustion of one's body. It's usually during this period, when muscles become fatigue, that one may experience back pain. If one does experiences pain, it's advisable to discontinue the activity, so to prevent further injury. Finally, hydrate yourself with adequate water, especially so that your body can quickly recuperate after the strenuous activity.

Joel A. Chinnici DC, chiropractic physician, has been serving the Bolingbrook community for 35 years. His office is located at Bolingbrook Chiropractic Center, contact his office at (630) 759 -7799 or www.Bolingbrookchiro.com for further information.