Ways to Prevent Injury while Shoveling Snow

CLEVELAND – A winter storm is sweeping across the United States with heavy snow expected.

And as it comes pouring down, it’s important to be safe when shoveling outside.

“If you’re not someone who normally works out, think of it as your first work out,” advised Thomas Waters, MD, emergency medicine physician with Cleveland Clinic. “So if you have that mindset before you go out there and pick up a shovel, that you need to ease into things, be careful and listen to your body, that can help you be safe when shoveling snow.”

Dr. Waters said they most commonly see back injuries from shoveling snow.

To help avoid that, he recommends pushing the snow out of the way instead of trying to lift it.

However, if you do have to do any kind of lifting, be sure to use your legs and not your back.

Another suggestion is to try and shovel the snow when it’s still light.

Be careful of ice too. It can be easy to slip and hurt yourself.

Dr. Waters said taking regular breaks is also very important.

So, if you feel yourself struggling, don’t push yourself.

And people with heart-related issues shouldn’t even attempt to shovel.

“I would certainly recommend that you do not pick up a snow shovel if you have a heart problem, unless you are cleared by your doctor,” he said. “So that again goes back to snow shoveling is a work out and you need to be careful when you do it, especially if you’re somebody who has heart problems.”

Dr. Waters said if you feel sore after shoveling snow, be sure to rest and if needed, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever.

It can also be helpful to use ice or heat.

If the pain persists, you should consult with a physician.