By: centraljersey.com
With a blizard having hit New Jersey, the Association of NJ Chiropractors seeks to ensure that individuals properly prepare themselves to prevent injury from shoveling out from the next snow event.
– Be prepared. Maintain your exercise program year-round.
– Listen to weather forecasts so you can rise early and have time to shovel before work; rushing the job can lead to injury.
– Wear layers of clothing to keep your muscles warm and flexible.
– Do some stretching before you grab the shovel.
– For big jobs, use a motorized snow blower. If you shovel by hand, use a lightweight, ergonomically-designed shovel to reduce back strain.
– When you do shovel, push the snow straight ahead. Don’t try to throw it; walk it to the snow bank. Avoid sudden twisting and turning.
– Bend your knees to lift when shoveling. Let the muscles of your legs and arms do the work,not your back.
– Take frequent rest breaks to take the strain off your muscles. A fatigued body asks for injury.
– Stop if you feel chest pain, or get excessively tired or have shortness of breath. You mayrequire immediate professional care.
– If you feel sore after shoveling, apply an ice bag to the affected area for 20 minutes, then take it off for a couple of hours. Repeat a couple of times each day over the next day or two.
If you continue to feel soreness, pain or strain after following these tips, it may be time to visit achiropractor. For more information on chiropractic care, or for a list of doctors of chiropracticnear you, visit www.njchiropractors.com.

