Chiropractic Care for Shoveling Pain
By Donna Stark
Shoveling snow is a winter activity that few people look forward to. It's cold, it's miserable, and sometimes, the job just never seems to end. But the worst part about shoveling snow is that it can often lead to pain, stiffness, and injuries. If you find yourself getting hurt from shoveling the snow this year, take heart. Your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic can help relieve your pain and get you back to feeling good again.
Chiropractic Care for Shoveling Pain
Your first reaction after getting hurt may be to grab a heating pad, a couple of pain relievers, and the remote to your TV so you can sit back and rest, but the better option would be to head on in to The Joint Chiropractic. Here's why.
- Accurate diagnosis - Whether your body fell out of alignment or you strained a muscle, your chiropractor will identify the underlying source of pain and target it with precise adjustments
- Pain relief - Since chiropractic care targets the underlying source immediately, eases tension and strain, reduces inflammation, and soothes irritated nerves, you can look forward to quick relief
- Natural healing - Chiropractic care encourages the body to heal itself naturally by avoiding the use of prescription medications
- Reduced risk - Regular chiropractic adjustments can reduce the risk of future pain and injury by restoring joint function and improving range of motion
Precautions to Take Before You Start Shoveling
It's important to recognize that you play a part in all of this too, so you need to make sure you are taking the proper precautions before you head out. Here are some general tips to follow.
- Lift properly - Bend at your knees and lift the load with your arms
- Walk - Instead of twisting and turning to throw the snow, walk the few steps to the pile you made
- Dress warmly - Bundling up will help keep your joints and muscles loose while shoveling and scraping
- Stretch - Prepare your body for the work ahead by engaging in some stretches and light movements
- Use the right equipment - Invest in some ergonomically designed tools to make the work easier
- Take your time - The snow isn't going anywhere, and rushing will only increase your risk of injury, so take your time and use slow, purposeful movements
A Pain-Free Season
Protect your body from pain and injury by following the back-saving tips above and getting regular adjustments at The Joint Chiropractic. Who knows? With the right precautions, shoveling snow may actually become quite enjoyable for you.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Vancouver, Wash.