Snow shoveling tends to be an unpleasant task—this mundane seasonal chore combines heavy lifting and cold weather, resulting in possible injuries to the back, shoulder muscles if shovelers do not take the proper precautions. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has recommendations to help you stay safe while clearing snow so you can still have some winter fun.
According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission:
•In 2008, more than 70,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms, doctors' offices, clinics and other medical settings for injuries sustained while shoveling or otherwise removing ice and snow manually.
•In that same year, more than 14,000 were injured using snowblowers.
•Types of injuries can include sprains and strains, particularly in the back and shoulders, as well as lacerations and finger amputations.
"Shoveling the snow involves a lot of bending and heavy lifting, particularly in wet snow," says Michael F. Schafer, MD, orthopaedic surgeon and spokesperson for the AAOS. "It may be especially vigorous for people who do not regularly exercise, as their backs, shoulder and arm muscles may not be prepared for that level of activity." Dr. Schafer adds, "if you feel any pain while shoveling, stop and rest."
The Academy offers the following tips to prevent injuries while shoveling and using a snowblower:
•Check with your doctor. Because this activity places high stress on the heart, speak with your physician first. If you have a medical condition or do not exercise regularly, consider hiring someone to remove the snow.
•Dress appropriately. Light, layered, water-repellent clothing provides both ventilation and insulation. It is also important to wear the appropriate head coverings, as well as mittens or gloves and thick, warm socks. Take a break if you feel yourself getting too hot or too cold.
•See what you are shoveling/snow blowing. Make sure that your hat or scarf does not block your vision. Watch for ice patches and uneven surfaces. Avoid falls by wearing shoes or boots that have slip-resistant soles.
•Clear snow early and often. Begin when a light covering of snow is on the ground to avoid trying to clear packed, heavy snow.