Peoria Shoveling Tips

We're already in the midst of our first snowfall of the season, and Peoria is turning into a gorgeous snowglobe. There probably won't be enough snow on the ground to demand shoveling or salting, but it isn't too soon to consider that there is a right way and a wrong way to shovel snow.

Here are some handy tips to keep you safe during shoveling season. And if you need a tuneup before you start, or if you tweak something when you're shoveling, remember to stop by your friendly Peoria chiropractor for a chiropractic adjustment!

• Push with your legs, not with your arms. Make sure that you are wearing boots or shoes with good rubber traction. Slipping on hidden ice is a one-way ticket to spraining your back.
• Switch arms when using the shovel. The muscle imbalances caused by consistently stooped posture to one side can cause some spinal dysfunction and pain later on.
• Better yet, walk straight forward instead of inching along sideways. Holding the shovel directly in front of your body with both hands, just push the snow in front of you instead of thrusting it, shoving it, launching it, or using other sudden movements. Allow your legs to do the work for you.
  
• Make sure your shovel is long enough, so you don't have to bend over the handle. The newer ergonomic models with the curved handles allow you stand more upright while doing the work, reducing the strain on your back.
• Snowblowers are not necessarily a better option, though they might be faster. Using a fidgety piece of cold machinery can involve just as much bending, twisting, yanking, and shoving.
  
• Don't overestimate how much work you can do. If you're not used to doing heavy lifting or cardiovascular activities, it's easy to overtax your heart. Pace yourself. Take breaks. Shoveling is surprisingly difficult work.
  
• Make your kids do it.