Share:

Winter is just around the corner, which means heavy, wet snow and ice will soon be here. While shoveling snow may be a necessity, back pain isn’t. The following four tips will help reduce your aches and pains after you head out with your snow shovel in hand. 

4 Tips to Treat Back Pain After Shoveling Snow

1. Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Exposure to the cold causes your muscles to tense. If you shovel snow without taking breaks to rest and warm up, you risk muscle tightness and injury. Pause and go indoors periodically while shoveling. Keeping your muscles warm, loose, and well-rested reduces the likelihood of strain. 

2. Use Epsom Salts

back painIf you’re done shoveling snow for the day and feel back pain coming on, consider taking a warm bath with Epsom salts. The high levels of magnesium found in Epsom salts will help reduce muscle soreness, inflammation, and pain. 

3. Use Ice & Heat

For the first day or two after shoveling snow, use an ice pack to treat any back pain or swelling. After 48 hours, alternate using ice to treat the pain and a heating pad to loosen and relax your muscles.

4. See a Chiropractor

If you’ve rested for a few days and are still experiencing pain, schedule an appointment with a chiropractor. A chiropractor will evaluate and correct the muscle strains and spinal misalignment that often occur after shoveling snow. They may use a combination of spinal adjustment, exercises, and massage therapy to treat your condition.

 

If you experience back pain from shoveling snow this winter, trust the professionals at North Pole Chiropractic in North Pole, AK, to help you find relief. Led by Dr. Jack Harrison D.C., this clinic offers spinal adjustment treatment and massage therapy to residents of the Fairbanks North Star Borough. They alleviate pain caused by a variety of injuries, including neck, back, or shoulder strain associated with shoveling. To learn more about how you’ll benefit from chiropractic care, visit them online. Call (907) 488-1885 to schedule an appointment. 

tracking