After winter storms, emergency rooms and orthopedic practices often see a sharp rise in back injuries tied to snow shoveling. According to Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo, an NYC spinal and orthopedic surgeon, shoveling combines several risk factors that place sudden stress on the spine: cold, stiff muscles, heavy, uneven loads, repetitive lifting, and twisting motions that the back is not built to tolerate.
“People underestimate how physically demanding snow shoveling is,” says Dr. Okubadejo. “Every winter we see muscle strains, disc injuries, and flare-ups of chronic back pain that could have been prevented with better technique and pacing.”
To reduce the risk of injury, Dr. Okubadejo recommends the following spine-saving tips:
Back-Saving Snow Shoveling Tips
- Warm up before shoveling. Even a few minutes of light movement helps loosen cold muscles and reduces injury risk.
- Push snow when possible instead of lifting it. Pushing keeps the spine in a safer, more neutral position.
- Lift smaller loads. Shoveling more often is safer than lifting heavy, compacted snow all at once.
- Keep the shovel close to your body. Holding weight farther away increases stress on the lower back.
- Bend at the hips and knees, not the waist. Let your legs do the work rather than your spine.
- Face the direction you’re throwing snow. Turn your whole body instead of twisting your torso.
- Avoid twisting while lifting or tossing snow. Twisting under load is a common cause of disc injuries.
- Take frequent breaks. Fatigue leads to poor posture and higher injury risk.
- Choose the right shovel. Lightweight, ergonomic shovels reduce strain and awkward positioning.
- Watch your footing. Slips on ice can cause sudden twisting or jolting movements that injure the spine.
- Stop if pain starts. Pain is a warning sign, not something to push through.
- Consider alternatives for heavy snow. Snow blowers or professional removal can prevent serious injuries, especially for people with a history of back problems.
Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo is a spinal and orthopedic surgeon specializing in spine care, injury prevention, and surgical treatment of back and neck conditions. More information is available at www.nynjspine.com.