Seasonal Injuries

Every season brings unique activities that require us to perform some physical activity we may not want to do but have no choice. In the winter, shoveling snow comes to mind (at least in some parts of the country) while spring, summer, and fall may include yard clean up, mowing, and raking. All of these seasonal activities are, …I have to… activities of daily living (ADLs), rather than ADLs we want to do. Let’s talk about shoveling snow. Of course, if snow is not an issue based on where you live, this information can also be applied to gardening, digging a hole, or some other yard-related shoveling activity.

First, let’s understand why back pain is so common when we shovel. When we bend over, approximately 2/3rds of our body weight is being lifted in addition to what we’re lifting. Hence, a 180 pound (~80 kg) person has to lift 120 lbs (~54 kg) of body weight every time he or she bends over. A 5 lbs weight (~2.25 kg) can place 50 lbs (22.5 kg) of load on your back when it’s held in front of you at the end of a shovel! Our legs are much stronger than our back and arms. If a person can bench press 300 lbs (~136 kg), they can usually leg press 500 lbs (~236 k) - almost 2x more weight. Yet, most of us use our arms, not our legs, when shoveling. Most of us bend over using poor technique, lift the shovel with the arms and back (not the legs), and rapidly extend and twist the back when we throw the substance from the shovel! Then, this faulty action is repeated many, many times, and on top of that, it is not something we’re used to doing and hence, we’re not physically adapted or “in shape” for shoveling. With all of these “truths,” it’s no wonder why we often can barely move after an hour of shoveling!

At Morgan Chiropractic, we understand the importance of taking care of your back and spine. Our chiropractic services are designed to help you maintain a healthy spine and back, so you can enjoy all the activities you love without pain or discomfort. We offer a range of services, including spinal adjustments, massage therapy, and more. Our team of experienced chiropractors will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs.

If you’re experiencing back pain or discomfort after shoveling snow or performing other seasonal activities, don’t wait to seek treatment. Contact Morgan Chiropractic today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free life.