This snow is wack, don’t break your back.

Winter can feel endless and brutally cold, and this year, it’s brought a true winter wonderland. While the constant snowfall can be breathtaking and fresh, it’s also left many dealing with persistent lower back pain. For most of us, snow shoveling feels like a dreaded chore that we want to finish as quickly as possible, often sacrificing our health in the process, which can lead to long-term pain and injury. But here’s the good news—it doesn’t have to be that way!

Approaching snow shoveling with safety and efficiency is key—there’s definitely a right way and a wrong way to clear the snow. It all begins with the re dealing with less accumulation. And for extra stability, channel your inner penguin—walking with a wider stance helps evenly distribute your weight and reduces the risk of slipping.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s crucial to protect your back during this physically demanding task—focus on your hips, not your lower back! Maintaining a straight back, bending with your knees, and lifting with your legs is essential for good posture with every scoop.

Here are some top tips to keep in mind while shoveling:

• Push, don’t lift: Push the snow all the way to the edge of the driveway or off to the side to minimize repetitive lifting.

• Avoid twisting your spine: Let your foot lead when shoveling. If you’re shoveling to the right, keep your right foot pointed in that direction and pivot your whole body.

• Keep the shovel close: When dumping the snow, avoid wide arm movements. Keep the shovel close to your body to reduce strain on your back, shoulders, and arms.

• Take breaks: Especially with heavy snowfall, take regular breaks and listen to your body—even though it’s tempting to finish quickly.

• After shoveling: Follow up with a topical remedy, like Antiflamme, to soothe muscle tenderness and ease any post-shoveling aches.

By following these tips, you can protect your body while still getting the job done efficiently!