Low back Pain After Shoveling Snow?!

Are you experiencing low back pain after shoveling snow? Your lower back and shoulders can be affected from shoveling snow. Snow shoveling is a repetitive activity that may cause a muscle strain. Back injuries due to shoveling are more likely to happen to people who may not know they are out of condition.

Tips to avoid injuries while shoveling snow:

1. Lift smaller and lighter loads of snow.

2. Bend your knees and lift with your legs, not your back!

3. Step in the direction in which you are throwing the snow to prevent the low back from twisting.

4. Take frequent breaks.

In the last 3 months, at any given time, 25% of people in the US report having low back pain.

The three main types of low back pain include;

Acute low back pain: pain that is lasting less than 3 months

Recurrent low back pain: acute symptoms that come back

Chronic low back pain: pain lasting longer than 3 months

There are many conditions of low back pain, some of which include: degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, osteoarthritis, lumbar spinal stenosis, fractures, osteoporosis, and tumors of the spine. Symptoms of low back pain vary: pain may be dull, burning, or sharp, pain may be localized or general, and patients may have muscle spasms, stiffness, aching, or pain spreading into one or both legs. Physical therapy plays an important role in treating all different types of low back pain. Your physical therapist will design an individualized treatment plan to be tailored for your specific symptoms and condition. Call the clinic today to see how we can help improve your low back pain!

https://www.choosept.com/resources/detail/snow-shoveling

https://www.choosept.com/symptomsconditionsdetail/physical-therapy-guide-to-low-back-pain