4 Tips to Shovel Snow without Throwing Out Your Back

As we all found out in 2010, winter in the Washington DC area often brings snow and ice. Here are tips to help you avoid injury when clearing your sidewalk:

• Use your knees: When shoveling, use your knees and legs and avoid bending from your trunk. This will decrease the impact on your back.
• Shovel less snow: It is better to take smaller shovels of snow. This will help reduce the possibility of an injury.
• Shovel in segments: Break the shoveling into smaller time segments. For example, after 30 minutes of shoveling take a break of at least 15 minutes.
• Don’t over-exert yourself: Each year many people have cardiac complications as a result of over-exertion from shoveling large accumulations of snow.

Benefits of massage therapy in conjunction with your chiropractic treatment

For many of my patients I recommend massage therapy in conjunction with their adjustment. It is a great adjunct to their treatment. It often helps the vertebrae to move more easily and the adjustment to hold for longer periods of time. Massage therapy is not a replacement for your chiropractic treatment, but is very effective for muscle spasms, relaxation and to aid the healing process. Additionally it also promotes a positive self awareness and mental outlook through touch therapy.

Many patients are surprised to learn that massage may be covered by their health insurance if performed and billed through their Chiropractor.

Yours in health,

Dr. Dominick Mirando

(Image by LoggaWiggler)