Look out the window, it's February... in Upstate New York... are you surprised to see over a foot of snow?  For some the emotion experienced from this sight is excitement (school closings, sledding, snow men, etc.), for others it's sadness (shoveling, shoveling, low back pain, coldness, etc.). Someone has to clean that white stuff, right? How else will you get out of the driveway?

For those of you who have to clean the snow I have some quick tips for you.

1) Don't rush.  If you rush you are more likely to injure yourself. Take your time and try to avoid quick jerky movements .

2) Stretch a little before and after.  Even a quick 30 sec. - 1 minute arms, legs and back stretch can avoid muscle strain.

3) Take a break. Don't try and complete the whole task at once.  Take a 2-5 minute break, have some water or hot cocoa and then do some more.

4) If you are shoveling don't bite off more than you can chew.  It is better to shovel small amounts at a time than to get a large shovel full and hurt your back.

5) Avoid bending over and twisting with a heavy weight at the end of a long lever.  Wait, isn't this EXACTLY what shoveling is? YES!  That is why you must do it right (the above mentioned steps).  This type of action is exactly what causes muscle strain and disc rupture.  Keep your stomach tight when doing this to avoid injury.

6) If you use a snowblower... LET IT DO THE WORK!  Most snowblowers are self propelled, therefore let the wheels do the moving and try to avoid pushing and turning it yourself.  This again can cause muscle strains.

If you do end up with aches and pains from this lovely weather pay a visit to a chiropractor.  We are specialists when it comes to the treatment of muscle pain, low back pain and strains.  Chiropractic care is very safe, and effective.