We’ve reached that time of year again! As colder temperatures roll into our area, so too does the snow, sleet, and ice. As chiropractors, we have all seen and treated countless injuries caused by shoveling snow. These injuries commonly involve the lower back, arms, hands, head, and neck. It may not initially be thought of as a dangerous activity. However, on average over 11,000 snow shoveling-related injuries are seen in the emergency departments in hospitals in the US every year according to a study by The American Journal of Emergency Medicine. These injuries are mostly due to musculoskeletal exertion, but also can be due to slips and falls, being struck with the snow shovel, and heart-related episodes. Below are steps to protect yourself from injury during snow removal.
- Dress for the weather. Layer clothing to help to keep your muscles warm and flexible.
- Wear appropriate footwear, use rock salt before and after the snowfall, and keep an eye out for icy patches to help to avoid slips and falls.
- While shoveling, use a lightweight and ergonomic snow shovel to push the snow ahead of you towards the snowbank. Avoid picking up the shovel loaded with snow if possible.
- Avoid quick movements especially while twisting.
- Bend with your knees if lifting the shovel loaded with snow to protect your spine.
- Take breaks frequently. Fatigue and overexertion can lead to injury. For larger snow accumulation, break up the snow removal over multiple sessions.
- Stop shoveling immediately if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, radiating pain into the arm or neck, feel light-headed, feel a cold sweat beginning, or become very tired. These may be signs of a medical emergency and require immediate medical attention. Heart attacks occur more frequently in cold weather due to the additional strain on the heart and cardiovascular system during this time. When this is combined with the exertion of physical activity during shoveling snow it can be a dangerous combination. On average, 770 patients are seen in the emergency department at hospitals each year due to cardiac events caused by snow shoveling.
If you or anyone else in your family is experiencing an injury due to shoveling snow or are experiencing any other issues causing joint pain, muscle pain, stiffness, dysfunction, weakness, radiating symptoms, or headaches then the chiropractic team at Carpenters Wellness Center would be happy to help! One of our chiropractors will build a custom-tailored treatment plan that works with you to meet your goals. Our main objective is to help you reach your goals with advanced, evidence-based solutions that work alongside your body’s own healing ability. We deliver safe and effective hands-on or instrument-based treatments for your ailment(s) by combining the latest research and proven techniques.
Sources:
Mohammad, M.A., et al. “2949Air Temperature as an External Trigger of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction – a SWEDEHEART Nationwide Observational Study.” European Heart Journal, vol. 38, no. suppl_1, 1 Aug. 2017, 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx504.2949. Accessed 9 Mar. 2020.
“Shovel Snow Safely.” American Chiropractic Association, 6 Jan. 2020, ACA Editorial Advisory Board. Accessed 9 Dec. 2022.
Watson, Daniel S., et al. “Snow Shovel-Related Injuries and Medical Emergencies Treated in US EDs, 1990 to 2006.” The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, vol. 29, no. 1, 1 Jan. 2011, pp. 11–17, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20825768, 10.1016/j.ajem.2009.07.003. Accessed 17 Feb. 2020.
“Yes, Shoveling Snow Can Actually Be Dangerous to Your Heart.” Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, 5 Mar. 2020, health.clevelandclinic.org/snow-shoveling-a-real-risk-for-heart-attack/.
