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Winter Back Ache

Winter Back Ache

I’ve often commented that if it wasn’t for the cold, the dark, the blowing snow, black ice on the roads, the slush … winter would be just about perfect! Snowstorms trigger hazardous driving conditions, but they can also be treacherous for people who go no further than their driveways.

Shoveling can result in aches and pains, broken limbs and sometimes even death. An Etobicoke man in his early 70s collapsed while shoveling his driveway Thursday morning, police said. The man suffered a heart attack and died shortly after. Earlier that morning, a 75-year-old woman fainted while shoveling the winter’s first dumping of snow from her driveway. Paramedics rushed the woman, who was in critical condition, to hospital.

Shoveling-related medical emergencies spike in patients after a major storm.

Shoveling is very strenuous and many people who go out shoveling lack conditioning. Often people don’t pace themselves, they just go, go, go. Especially when they are trying to get to work without planning enough time to clear the car and driveway.

From a chiropractor’s perspective, I don’t seem many snow related injuries the day of a  snow storm. Rather, it’s several days after shoveling the driveway or front walk, or pushing a car out of snow drift, that I will see the sort of strain that “just won’t go away!” My office is taking part in the Ontario Chiropractic Association’s “Lift Light, Shovel Right” initiative.

Here are a few tips to stay safe while shoveling:

Don’t let the snow pile up: Frequent shoveling allows you to move smaller quantities of snow at once. You also move the snow before it has a chance to settle and become more dense.

Choose a lightweight shovel: Avoid heavy shovels, and choose a pusher-type shovel. A plastic shovel with an “ergonomically” designed handle reduces the load on the back and the knees. Use a shovel with a smaller blade to move heavier snow and accept that it is going to take a bit longer.

Warm up: Go for a walk and do some stretching before shoveling. At the very least, start slow and listen to your body if it is asking you to slow down.

Bend your knees: Use your arm muscles, knees, and legs to lift while keeping your back straight. If you view the snow shoveling as a way to get some invigorating exercise, you are less likely to hurt yourself. Remember to use your abdominal and core muscle to give your back strength.

Take breaks: Don’t overwork yourself. Pace yourself  - Easy does it – Will it matter tomorrow if you take and extra five minutes to do the job now? It may matter very much if you go at it too strenuously. Stop shoveling immediately if you feel chest or back pain.

“Or ask your neighbours to shovel for you.”  But in all seriousness, it can be a great way to build relationships with your neighbours when you work together.

When should you come in to see me? A little bit of general stiffness lets you know you've exercised your muscles. However, any pain that is intense, or localized, or hasn't dissipated in a few days needs attention. Ignoring such a pain can lead to further problems if not corrected promptly. Regular chiropractic adjustments and help keep you in better shape.

Best regards, Dr. Wayne Coghlan.

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