Shoveling Snow and Back Pain

People shoveling snow...its happening all across the country this time of year...

Do you know what happens to a lot of people after shoveling snow?

Their back aches.

Their neck aches.

Their arms and legs ache.

Why?

Combining the one sided motion of shoveling show with repeated lifting of the snow and dehydration is the "perfect storm" for aches and pains in the body.  I have seen some of my neighbors outside for over an hour shoveling 5 or 6 inches of snow, and I don't see them drinking any water to rehydrate as they are using the muscles of their back and body on overtime.

All of the hard work clearing your driveway often stresses the body to the point where vertebrae (the bones in your back) are pulled out of alignment.  This misalignment can cause pain right away, and sometimes for days or weeks afterwards. 

I ask every patient that I see shortly after a snowstorm if they have been shoveling snow.  In almost all cases, I have noticed that their spine is torqued and twisted and the muscles of the hips, low back, and shoulders are extra tight.

They need a good adjustment after all of that bending and twisting!

Bending and twisting at the same time puts excessive pressure on the discs between the bones in your spine.  This excessive pressure often sets people up for a disc irration, bulge or in the worst cases...a disc herniation. 

OUCH!

Keep in mind that most people are not thinking about whether they are holding the shovel properly or twisting their back harder while they are digging out of a pile of snow.  They want to get it done...and get it done fast!

If you have been shoveling snow, make sure you follow up with your Chiropractor to realign your spine and joints.

If you don't have a Chiropractor, find one!  A long term relationship with a great Chiropractor can drastically improve your health and quality of life, potentially saving you from more costly health care down the road.

For more information or to get your questions answered, please call me at 816-256-3603.

Dr. Kristine Baker